A SPITFIRE has been unearthed at a Scots farm, 72 years after it ploughed into the ground in a wartime training exercise, killing its young pilot.

RAF Sergeant John Tristram Silvester was just 22 years old when he was killed at Slamannan, near Falkirk, on Valentine's Day 1941. He was part of the 58 Operational Training Unit based at Grangemouth, where he was learning to fly for combat.

The fighter dived into the ground at Hillhead Farm at 400mph. While Sgt Silvester's body was recovered and returned to his home in Worcestershire to be buried, much of the wreckage has only now been recovered. A wreath will be laid during a memorial service at the site on Sunday.

The aircraft - a Supermarine Spitfire Mk1 - was recovered by archaeologists of the Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum, where remains including the mangled propeller will be displayed as a poignant reminder of the bravery of pilots such as Sgt Silvester.

Around two tons of wreckage was recovered including the propeller, instrument panel, an engine piston and an oxygen bottle.

The Spitfire was found using records of the tragic accident.