The largest formation of Hurricanes and Spitfires since the Second World War is to take to the skies over Biggin Hill.

The spectacle will mark the 75th anniversary of The Battle of Britain’s Hardest Day, fought on August 18, 1940 between the German Luftwaffe and British Royal Air Force.

Organisers at Biggin Hill’s Heritage Hangar have chosen August 18 this year, for the flypast to commemorate the day when air battles over south-east England reached a dramatic climax.

The vintage planes will split into three formations after takeoff from Biggin Hill with the first heading down to the Isle of Wight over the Solent and Portsmouth.

The second will fly east over Dover, Hawkinge and the national memorial at Capel-le-Ferne and the third will pass over West Malling, Detling and Gravesend.

Veterans and civilians caught up in the Battle of Britain will be on the ground at Biggin Hill to witness the landmark flypast.

Robin Brooks from the Heritage Hangar said: “The organisation of such a task is formidable.

“It is the intention of all the owners of the warbirds to make the day the largest and best tribute to those whom Churchill called ‘his Few’ and Dowding called ‘his Chicks.’”

The event, which will be weather permitting, is still in the planning stages with aircraft numbers yet to be finalised.