A replica Spitfire plane will be on display in Northumberland as a memorial to its teenage pilot.

The iconic Supermarine Spitfire Mk IA R6762 was used to train pilots at Eshott during the Second World War, and 80 years after the death of its Norwegian pilot, Sergeant Kai Arthur Knagenhjelm, it is returning to its former base.

Sergeant Knagenhjelm, only 19 years old, died in a collision with an American Thunderbolt piloted by First Lieutenant Anthony Serapiglia on April 12 in 1944.

On that fateful day, Sergeant Knagenhjelm was carrying out practice attacks and aerobatics with a fellow Spitfire pilot above 5,000 and 8,000 feet respectively.

However, while he made his return to RAF Eshott, he was hit head-on by First Lieutenant Serapiglia, who had disobeyed orders and was flying in the opposite direction.

The collision set the Spitfire ablaze, and it crashed at Eshott Home Farm.

The replica Spitfire will be unveiled at its new home at Northumberland Woodland Burial and Crematorium this Friday, April 12 at 4pm, marking 80 years since the fatal crash.

The site is part of what was once RAF Eshott, and the replica will rest on one of the Spitfire concrete tie downs.

Scott and Laura Clarehugh, custodians of the Northumberland Woodland Burials and Crematorium, said, "At Northumberland Woodland Burials and Crematorium, we’re incredibly proud of our Northumbrian heritage.

"We felt it was really important to honour the memory of those that served here.

"It’s our great privilege to have a replica of R6762 to not only commemorate Sergeant Knagenhjelm and First Lieutenant Serapiglia, but all those that served during the war."

The unveiling ceremony will feature a commemorative parade by Durham Northumberland Wing RAF Air Cadets, speeches by Sarah Price and Margaret Weaver Lay Minister of St John the Divine Church, Chevington, and the presence of the Royal Air Forces Association with standard bearers from Northumbria, Gateshead, and Newcastle Branches.

Wing Commanders of 19 and 20 Squadrons from RAF Boulmer will also be in attendance, along with representatives from the Norwegian Air Force and US Military Air Force Exchange.

The original Supermarine Spitfire Mk Ia R6726, first took to the skies on June 16 in 1940.

It was the first Spitfire equipped with a cannon to see service with the RAF.

The replica, created by Replica Aircraft Fabrications Limited, will now rest at the Northumberland Woodland Burials and Crematorium after a 450-mile journey.