A SCHOOL built just yards from the birthplace of Reginald Mitchell is planning to set up the world's first museum dedicated to the legendary Spitfire designer.

Pupils at Reginald Mitchell Primary, in Butt Lane, near Kidsgrove, want to create the tourist attraction at the front of their school, and have already amassed memorabilia.

Youngsters could even act as tour guides, and are keen to run a little gift shop where they would donate all their takings to charity.

The primary was built 160ft away from the house where Butt Lane's most famous son was born and spent the first three years of his life.

Yet apart from the school being renamed after him decades ago, and a Newcastle Civic Society plaque erected outside the house, there are few signs of RJ Mitchell's ties to the area.

All that could now change if Reginald Mitchell Primary wins a £5,000 prize in the Class Act competition, run by The Sentinel and Barclays.

It would help cover the costs of extending the main school entrance, so they can create a secure area near reception for the mini-museum. It would be open virtually all year.

Alexandra Burke, aged nine, said: "If people went to see Reginald Mitchell's house, they wouldn't have to travel far to the school because it's only two doors away. We could have a brown sign to point them towards our museum."

Youngsters at Reginald Mitchell Primary have already learned about the pivotal role the Spitfire played in winning the Battle of Britain as part of their history lessons. Alexandra said: "I never realised there were such things as the Spitfire until I started school."

The school will also be marking its 100th anniversary next year, and hopes to arrange a Spitfire fly-past. It could coincide with the opening of the tourist attraction.

Items already on display at Reginald Mitchell Primary include a Spitfire engine and a propeller, a letter from famous fighter pilot Douglas Bader, and a small limited-edition bronze statue of Mitchell. There are also commemorative plates and pottery, and photos of planes.

Kimberley Holloway, aged nine, said: "There were four different kinds of Spitfire planes. The first one was a boat plane and we've got a picture of that."

Headteacher Alan Stancliffe said: "We would ask the community for more artefacts and also make a nationwide appeal. The children have got some fantastic ideas for developing the museum.

"We've got history on our doorstep and don't celebrate it enough. People visit Shakespeare's birthplace and celebrate it, so why not here?

"This mini-museum could be used by other schools in the area and by tourists."

It would cost around £20,000 to do the work to the main entrance. Part of this would be covered by school funds and they also plan to apply for community grants.

But Mr Stancliffe said the Class Act prize could be instrumental in bringing the project to life.