PUPILS at Woodford Valley Primary Academy were treated to a visit from a helicopter, which landed on the school field.

A squirrel helicopter landed on the field at the school on Thursday, October 6.

Test pilot Henry Parkinson and flight test engineer instructor Brian Dudgeon flew in late that morning to join their ground team of Gemma Dore, Matthew Titman, Chris Blakeborough and Ryan Potter.

Salisbury Journal: Helicopter visits Woodford Valley Primary AcademyHelicopter visits Woodford Valley Primary Academy (Image: Woodford Valley Primary Academy)

Pupils were treated to an up-close aircraft inspection of the helicopter, with a talk about the importance of these aircraft to support and emergency agencies.

The school said that pupils were "thrilled".

One pupil said:  "It was fantastic, I loved the wind blowing our faces as the helicopter landed. I definitely want to know more and will follow this closely.

"It has inspired me to become an engineer or even fly a helicopter one day. "I really loved learning everything about it.

"It led to many more wanting to follow a similar career from the inspiring visit from QinetiQ, thank you."

Head teacher Rebecca Carson said: "We are very grateful for the visit and the impact it had on our pupils."