ONE-HUNDRED vintage aircraft will take to the skies over the Isle of Wight in May ­— to celebrate the life of Second World War pilot Mary Ellis — who died in 2018.

The planes will be taking off in one-minute intervals, surrounding the Island, while a trio of her beloved Spitfires­ ­— including one that Mary delivered during the war ­— will also fly overhead.

Mary Ellis Day is scheduled for May 16, and will be centred around Sandown Airport, where Mary once lived.

An inspiration and an iconic pilot, Mary worked for the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA), and during the war, delivered more than 1,000 planes, including Spitfires and Wellington bombers, equipped with just a compass, a stopwatch and a map.

She delivered the very first Meteor jet when seconded to the RAF at the end of the war, and decided to settle on the Isle of Wight rather than return to Brize Norton.

Read more: Obituary - Mary Ellis

Mary ran the airfield at Sandown Airport, and between 1951 and 1968 she transformed it into a commercial success.

She set up a flying school, specialising in teaching women to fly, and worked hard to meet the standards and safety requirements for aircraft such as DC-3s, Herons, Rapides and Doves to land at the airport.

"Mary used to visit me once a week for a cup of tea," said organiser, and Sandown Airport owner, Dan Subhani.

"She never received an honour, which is quite shocking when you think about what she's done for her country ­— so we've organised this event in her memory.

"The ATA is coming to give a talk, and theatre group ­— the Renegade Girls ­— will be doing a reenactment of many high-profile ladies from across the south.

"We'll also be hosting a charity village, where as many as 50 charities will be raising awareness for their causes.

"We're planning to have a lot of talks from various individuals ­— historians, and people who knew Mary ­— and we're waiting for confirmation on a Battle of Britain flypast.

"We plan to make this an annual event. I think it could become a real tourist draw."

Don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.