Classic planes are set to soar in the skies above Portland Bill today as they recreate a famous Second World War flight.

For the first time since June 5 1944, Upottery airfield in Devon will be used as a departure point from where a C47 will cross the English Channel and drop parachutists on Normandy soil.

The airfield was used as a base for American planes during the war.

Shortly after departing the base, US airborne serials passed over Portland Bill, codenamed ‘Flatbush’, which was the checkpoint for all wings as they departed the mainland of the UK. When passing over, all aircraft turned off all their lights as they headed out across the Channel towards Normandy.

Today, the flight will be repeated and a C47 plane will fly with an escort of Spitfires over Portland Bill and fly low over the lighthouse as part of ‘Operation Albany 2018’. They will then head to Normandy to parachute onto the Carentan drop zone.

Crowds have been gathered at Portland Bill since the early afternoon despite the thick fog. 

The excitement and anticipation is building as more people arrive and car parks are said to be full.  

The planes were due to fly over Portland Bill at around 1.30pm, although organisers said timings have changed due to weather and mechanical constraints.

* Organisers said they are still the fly past will still go ahead but the time will be delayed and the schedule changed. They fly past will now take place at 6.05pm when a Dakota will be making its way past the Bill. 

Did you get pictures of the fly past? Send them in to us on the link below.