MARY Ellis, one of the last living female pilot from the Second World War, has died aged 101.

She delivered aeroplanes, such as Spitfires and Wellington bombers, to squadrons all over the country, armed with only a map, a compass and a stopwatch.

Mary's work was vital to more than just the war effort, as she and her colleagues blazed the trail for today's generation of women RAF pilots.

She became Europe's first female air commandant after the war, managing Sandown Airport for 20 years and founding the Isle of Wight Aero Club.

Earlier this year, Mary joined film director Anthony Minghella, solo yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur and Hovertravel founder Chris Bland in being granted the Freedom of the Isle of Wight.

At the RAF 100 centenary celebrations, Mary Ellis met Prime Minister Theresa May.

Mrs May gave special mention to Mary in her opening remarks.

Many tributes have been posted this morning celebrating Mary's incredible life.

Lincolnshire's Lancaster Association posted: "We are very sad to hear about the passing of Mary Ellis, ATA pilot in the Second World War.

"She was also a great friend of the flight and will be sorely missed. Her stories and way of telling them brought so much life to her exploits. RIP."

Red Arrow flier, Mike Ling, posted on Twitter that Mary was a 'legend of the Air Transport Auxiliary'.

He said: "I hope you are enjoying a well-earned sherry up there with Joy Lofthouse again (a fellow ATA pilot)."

RAF Cosford said on Facebook: "Blue skies, ma’am and thank you for your service to our country."

Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely said: "The Isle of Wight has lost its greatest citizen and my thoughts are with Mary Ellis’s family at this incredibly sad time.

"Her service in the Air Transport Auxiliary ferrying aircraft to frontline squadrons throughout the Second World War is legendary.

"Mary was truly a heroine — a trailblazer for women — and one who gave so much in defence of our country.

"She was also someone who made the Island her home and contributed so much to it through her management of Sandown Airport for many years.

"Her death is sadly an end of an era but her duty to her country in its time of need will continue to be an inspiration for generations to come."

The leader of the Isle of Wight Council, Cllr Dave Stewart, said: "I would like to express my sadness at the passing of Mary Ellis who earlier this year was bestowed with the freedom of the Isle of Wight in recognition of the contribution that she like so many other Islanders made during the Second World War.

"I have now asked council officers to look at appropriate ways in which we can further recognise her remarkable life.

"I would like to pass on my condolences to Mary's family and friends at this very sad time — including, of course, to our own councillor, Clare Mosdell.

"In Mary, the Island has been so lucky to have had such a wonderful person among us, and who gave such great service to her country."