CURRY Mallet Primary School pupils visited Royal Naval Air Station Merryfield to see the Royal Navy’s operational aircraft in action.

They watched Naby Merlin, Lynx and Sea King aircraft practice manoeuvres and learnt more about how helicopters fly.

Becky Curry, Reception and Year 1 teacher, who organised the trip said: “Everyone was so excited. Some of us were up since 4 am.”

The children received a brief from the Air Traffic Control Officer, who then answered their questions.

They were even able to witness a Lynx helicopter from RNAS Yeovilton simulating engine failure as part of a training exercise and landing a controlled descent as pupils looked on from the tower.

The resident fire crew talked to the pupils about fire fighting and demonstrated the engine’s equipment.

The children took turns sitting in the fire truck and spraying water from the various water hoses and cannons.