A historic seaplane has returned to the skies more than a century after its first flight.
The Waterbird, a replica of the original aircraft that took off from Windermere in November 1911, flew again during the ‘Wings over Windermere’ aviation display, held on the waterfront lawns of Low Wood Bay Resort and Spa.
The event was supported by English Lakes Hotels Resorts and Venues.
Ben Berry, managing director of English Lakes Hotels Resorts and Venues, said: "The Waterbird flight display was a wonderful sight against the backdrop of the Langdale Fells and the team at Low Wood Bay welcomed a good number of spectators and additional visitors for it.
"It’s been fantastic for us to play a part in the project and to celebrate Windermere’s aviation history and heritage."
Guests and visitors at the resort enjoyed multiple flypasts from the Waterbird, as well as a display by an Aviat Husky seaplane.
The Waterbird crew also met with enthusiasts after the display to share more about the project.
Waterbird was the first aeroplane outside France and the United States to successfully take off and land on water.
The aircraft used the patented ‘stepped’ float design created by Captain Edward Wakefield of Kendal.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford, president of The Lakes Flying Company Limited, attended the event alongside Tim Farron MP, who opened the project’s Windermere Library exhibition.
Ian Gee, chairman of The Lakes Flying Company Ltd, said: "Captain Wakefield owned land at the lake where he built a hangar and experimented for two years with floats of various shapes and sizes.
"Waterbird first flew from Windermere with Herbert Adams as its pilot.
"I am sure both aviation pioneers would have been thrilled to see the replica aeroplane in flight 115 years later and we are very grateful to English Lakes Hotels for their support in putting on these displays."
The original Waterbird’s floats were built by Borwick and Sons, boat builders based in Bowness-on-Windermere.
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