THE Battle of Britain was celebrated by junior school children when they had a visit from a Chinook airman.

Students from Mayhill Junior School wore red, white and blue to mark the national campaign to raise money for the three armed forces’ charities.

An aircrew from RAF Odiham visited and talked to children during their assembly about their work on Chinooks and the RAF’s role in the Battle of Britain.

Pupils were also able to try out RAF kit, such as an inflatable rescue boat, and ask questions about services in the Royal Air Force.

The theme of this year’s Red, White and Blue Day was Battle of Britain and special videos, photos and lesson plans helped the children explore what life was like for all those involved, including children evacuated from cities during the Blitz.

Emma Collis, deputy headteacher at Mayhill, said: “We have raised £159 for this fantastic charity. The children loved the chance to dress up, see the life raft and have the opportunity to talk first hand with a real life airman. In class the children across the school have all made red, white and blue poppies – leading into the forthcoming Remembrance Day. These will go on display within the school hall, creating our own Mayhill poppy field.”

Red, White and Blue Day is a national fundraising campaign for schools, run annually by the UK’s three service charities – The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund. Pupils donated £1 to wear red, white and blue.

Heather Kemp, RAF Benevolent Fund regional fundraiser, said: “Neither I nor my representative from the RAF could have hoped for a better audience.”