PUPILS had a surprise visit when an RAF helicopter touched down at their primary school.

A crowd of 400 excited pupils, along with some parents and governors, greeted the helicopter from RAF Shawbury as it landed at Ellesmere Primary School (Monday, March 11).

Headteacher Stuart Roberts said that the visit was to promote STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects as part of British Science Week.

Mr Roberts added that the visit had been a surprise for the children.

"I hadn't told them that there was a helicopter landing; they just came out onto the field wondering what Mr Roberts is going to say this time and then this helicopter comes over the bridge and landed in front of them. They were excited," he said.

The youngsters are taking part in various STEM activities and viewing demonstrations during the week.

Flight Lieutenants Tom Knapp and PJ Howard showed the children around the helicopter, learning about how it works and what equipment the crew took with them on flights.

Flt Lt Knapp said: "The school is promoting STEM. It's a big topic with regards to the forces and we try to support as much as possible within in the local community."