PUPILS at the Manor Primary School in Long Hanborough were thrilled when an RAF helicopter dropped in.

Joseph Burgess, eight, by the Merlin

The Merlin helicopter from RAF Benson landed on the village's playing fields, watched by about 230 children from the school.

The visit was part of a training exercise and was co-ordinated by one of the school's teachers, Linda Day. She said:

"It caused quite a bit of excitement."

Her husband, James Bartrip, is a Flight Lieutenant with the RAF and flew the helicopter.

The children were given the chance to look around the helicopter, and some even sat in the pilot's seat.