CHILDREN at two south Wiltshire primary schools were happy to leave their classrooms earlier this week to enjoy an out-of-school treat.

They had the chance to see a real helicopter land near their schools, were allowed to explore all over it and then watch as it took off again.

Major Rich Pillans, who serves with the Army Air Corp based at Middle Wallop, lives in Steeple Langford.

And he agreed to bring an Army "copter" for pupils at the Wylye Valley Primary School to enjoy.

He landed at the federated school's Codford site, and pupils from both the Codford and Steeple Langford enjoyed the experience.

  • A Gazelle helicopter from Boscombe Down paid a visit to Downton Primary School, landing in the village's memorial grounds close by the Gravel Close school.

Arranged by one of the pupil's grandfather, the helicopter played an important part of year 3 and Year 4's special topic, aviation, which they have been studying this term.

Although it was mainly for the children of Years 3 and 4 to help with their project, the whole school was allowed to see the helicopter land and thoroughly enjoyed exploring it before watching it take off.