THERE was huge excitement in a primary school near Whitchurch as its delighted pupils were able to witness an RAF helicopter land in its school grounds.

The helicopter based in RAF Shawbury landed in Tushingham Primary School on Thursday, February 2 and pupils were shown around the helicopter by aircrew.

The pupils have been learning about the First and Second World Wars, including the role of the RAF in the conflicts.

The school also organised trips to the RAF Cosford Museum and headteacher, Cathy Davies was delighted to welcome the aircrew to the school.

She added: "It is absolutely brilliant, the look on the children's faces as it flew over the top.

"They started clapping and cheering, it was fab."

Schoolteacher, Rosie Hunt who helped organised the visit added: "They were waving and had smiles on their faces.

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"I think this tells us they will remember this for the rest of their lives."

Mrs Hunt explained the learning of stem subjects and history motivated the school to invited the aircrew.

She explained: "This year pupils have been studying the Battle of Britain and looking at the history of the RAF from there.

"We had a visit to RAF Cosford and have lots of stem activities to do with flight.

"And it seemed like the next logical step, so we reached out.

"I think bringing people from outside is absolutely crucial.

"Children need to see what the end result of their hard work is.

"And seeing that combination of stem activities and the real world is really importanty."

Mrs Hunt explained pupils have gone on to find out about ancestors who served during the Second World War.

She added: "The children have been interested in the history of the pilots themselves.

"Children have started to go home and speak to their parents, grandparents and even great-grandparents and findout what ancestors did during the Second World War."

Flight Lieutenant Connor Frampton is based in RAF Shawbury and was part of the aircrew and was pleased with the visit.

He said: "It is fantastic. As a stem ambsassador, it is great to get the children excited about this sort of this thing.

"We have done a few things in the local area.

"And if it gets them excited about science, maths and technology, I am happy.

"When we get an opportunity like today, we are going to show them round the helicpoter because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

"The fact that they are learning about the RAF is fantastic."