Schoolgirl Louise Gordon is to embark on a history lesson with a difference when she flies nose-to-tail with one of the Second World War's most iconic aircraft.

The 16-year-old from Chatham won a VIP helicopter ride from the aviation experience company Action Stations and will have a bird's eye view of a Spitfire as it performs spectacular stunts above the Kent landscape.

She has barely been able to keep her feet on the ground since winning the prize in a recent kmfm competition and picked up her tickets for the sought-after airborne adventure at the Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum, Manston.

Stephen Burt, director of Action Stations, which he established last year, said: "It will be a unique experience for Louise and her father, who was quite overwhelmed by the whole idea.

"It's particularly poignant this year because 2010 marks the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, in which the Spitfire played such a vital role."

Stephen, who lives near Canterbury, added: "Louise didn't know too much about the significance of the Battle of Britain but when I told her that many of the pilots were just a little older than her, you could tell she was amazed.

"We have a responsibility to keep our heritage alive and to tell people about the sacrifices these young pilots made for their country. I hope Action Stations can fulfil that role and offer a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience."

For more information about Action Stations' range of tours in 2010 call 01227 72192 or visit www.goactionstations.co.uk. Tickets are still available for the next flight day on Saturday, March 6.

The Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum on Manston Road, near Kent International Airport, is open throughout the year from 10am until 4pm or 5pm. For further details, call 01843 821940 or visit www.spifirememorial.org.uk.