As one of the most iconic shows in the Westcountry it seems strange that until this year Royal Cornwall was yet to have been graced by one of the most iconic aeroplanes in British aviation history.
The full replica Spitfire was proving popular yesterday on its first day at the Wadebridge showground.
Usually kept at RAF St Mawgan, the aircraft is an exact copy of the legendary planes that are credited with playing a crucial role in victory in the Battle of Britain.
It is one of two owned by Barry Wallond from Newquay who is fascinated with the famous plane.
"I had this built about four years ago for shows like this," he said. "It's probably the most iconic aeroplane in the world, it's probably the most beautiful aeroplane in the world too, who wouldn't want a Spitfire?
"They've got so much history, you find that when you've got a show like this, it's probably one of the only World War II fighters. It's just unusual to see a fighter airplane at a show like this.
"There will be people round it all day."
The steam and vintage fair ground has a variety of unusual vintage vehicles this year, including a Model T Ford, the first to be purchased by Cornwall County Council in 1921.
Rex Curtis, who has organised the steam fair for 45 years, said it was the first time the show had had a Spitfire and was likely to be a one-off.
