Most men embrace their mid-life crisis by splashing out on a new car, entertainment system or flash guitar.

However a Sussex-based firm is offering those struggling with middle age a new type of cure – a share in a Second World War Spitfire.

The Boultbee Flight Academy, based at Goodwood Aerodrome, is looking for enthusiasts to purchase a tenth share in an original of the celebrated fighter plane.

As well owning a slice in one of the most iconic machines ever built, the lucky owners will also be inducted in the only Spitfire training academy in the world.

Having mastered the Battle of Britain warplane, the owners will be able to take further qualifications enabling them to fly the Spitfire at their own private events or air shows.

However, to take advantage of this unique opportunity, enthusiasts must have a spare £250,000 for their share.

Matt Jones, managing director of the flight academy, came up with the concept after years of budding pilots pleading with him to let them fly the aircraft.

Ultimate

He said: “They wanted the ultimate – to fly a single-seat Spitfire themselves, an option that only really exists to individual owners or their trusted pilots.

“The result, therefore, was this syndicate concept. This both fulfils their requirement and fits our company aim to make the Spitfire as accessible as possible.”

The part-owners will be in good hands with some of the finest military, ex-military and civilian instructors on the academy’s books.

Steve Brooks, who helped set up the group, holds the title as the first man to fly from pole to pole in a helicopter.

Fellow instructor Russ Eatwell is a veteran of conflicts in Bosnia, having flown 172 missions, while Matt Jones captains a Lear Jet, Tiger Moth, Squirrel helicopter and Spitfire.

Syndicate members will need to hold a current Private Pilots Licence (PPL) if they wish to undertake training towards flying the Spitfire.

However, this training can be undertaken at the academy.

The aircraft will be based at Goodwood Aerodrome, near Chichester.

The former RAF Westhampnett was a Hurricane and Spitfire base during the World War Two.

For those concerned about the price tag, the company explained that as the aircraft is classed as a “wasting asset”, as it avoids any capital gains tax.

Anyone interested should contact 07747 792395 or email info@boultbeeflightacademy.co.uk.