Uni honour for Spitfire designer

University scholarships will bear R J Mitchell's name

The man who designed the Spitfire is to be honoured with university scholarships bearing his name.

R J Mitchell was chief designer for Supermarine and designed the warplane in 1935, dying only two years later from cancer, aged 42.

The University of Southampton, where Supermarine was based, is launching new undergraduate scholarships at its School of Engineering Sciences.

They will be awarded to students who achieve top grades at A-level.

It is anticipated that 20 scholarships will be awarded each year.

Neil Sandham, professor of aerospace engineering, said: "We feel that it is appropriate to honour R J Mitchell by supporting the brightest scholars as they start their university careers.

"Southampton engineering graduates have a reputation for excellence and we are sure that R J Mitchell's legacy of innovative and elegant engineering design is in good hands."