Oxfordshire pilot Steve Brooks takes off in round the world Spitfire mission

A pilot from Oxfordshire has taken off on a challenge to fly a Spitfire 27,000 miles around the world.

Steve Brooks from Burford, flying alongside Matt Jones, will stop at 100 locations in 30 countries during the five month journey.

The project, named "Silver Spitfire - The Longest Flight", took off from the Boultbee Flight Academy at Goodwood Aerodrome this afternoon.

  • WATCH: Steve Brooks explains why the Spitfire has international appeal

The pair will first head to Scotland, then travel to Iceland, Greenland and Canada.

They'll then cross the US before flying on to Russia and Asia.

  • WATCH: Steve Brooks climbs aboard ready to depart

The MkIX Spitfire was originally built in 1943.

It's been painstakingly restored for the journey, but still has range of around 300 miles.

The aircraft will be followed by a chase plane at all times.

A major launch event was held at the Boultbee Academy at Goodwood

Onboard the chaser will be a full time captain, an engineer and a documentary crew who are filming the entire journey.

As a single seat interceptor, only of Mr Jones or Mr Brooks will in the Spitfire at one time.

The other will follow in the chase plane.