PUPILS at Wallingford School have always been taught to reach for the heights, but on Tuesday they were given a first hand demonstration.

A Royal Navy Lynx helicopter dropped in at the school and students were invited to hop on board.

The crew of four also gave teenagers a brief description of its operational uses.

Year 11 student Matthew Osborne said: “It was a truly unforgettable experience.”

 

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Lewis Ward, also in Year 11, said: “It was an amazing insight into the world of flight.”

The Lynx took off from Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton in Somerset as part of its routine daily work, then landing on the school playing fields while staff and students looked on.

Wallingford School has links to the military through its connection to the Merchant Taylors’ Company of London, a former guild which now does charitable work.

The school was established in 1659 by merchant taylor Walter Bigg, who wanted to endow a school associated with the parish church of St Mary’s.

Born and raised near Wallingford, he went on to be elected Lord Mayor of London, but never forgot his roots.

In his will he set up a trust that still benefits less well-off students.

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