They have been a fixture in the skies above Cornwall for 40 years, but the time of the Hawk jet is coming to an end.

To mark the departure from service of the veteran aircraft, which has been based at RNAS Culdrose in Helston, a farewell flight is taking place around the UK this Thursday and Friday.

The Hawks have played a significant part in the nation's defence for four decades, taking on the role of hostile aircraft or incoming missiles in order to train ships' companies and Royal Navy fighter controllers in the skills of air defence.

Four jets from 736 Naval Air Squadron will now be flying from Cornwall to Prestwick in Scotland this Thursday, and back again the following day.

En route it will give people a chance to give one last wave at the jets that have helped keep the country safe.

The route for the flyover has now been published, although all timings are approximate and weather dependent.

The flight plan is as follows: Thursday, March 17 – Depart Culdrose at 3.30pm, with flypasts at Plymouth at 3.40pm, RNAS Yeovilton 3.55pm, Bournemouth Airport 4.05pm, Portsmouth 4.15pm and arriving at Prestwick shortly after 5pm.

The following day, Friday, March 18 – Depart Prestwick at 11am, with flypasts over RAF Valley in Wales at 11.25am, Pembrey 11.50am and Newquay 12 noon, to arrive at Culdrose at 12.15pm.

A more extended final flight around the coast of Cornwall is planned to take place next week, on Thursday, March 24, with more details to be announced.