A SEA King helicopter dropped in to a school near Devizes to give students the chance to study the machine at close quarters.

Some of the senior pupils at Dauntsey's were also given a trip of a lifetime when they took to the skies in the Sea King for a short flight over the school and surrounding area.

It was one of the helicopters last flights as it is shortly to be taken out of service by the Royal Navy.

Head master Mark Lascelles said: "Welcoming the Sea King here was a great privilege and a wonderful opportunity for any Dauntsey’s pupil thinking of joining the Armed Services to look over an aircraft at close quarters.

"Our thanks go to pilot Lieutenant Aaron Cross RN for his expert handling of the aircraft and for making the visit so interesting for both pupils and staff. It was wonderful to be able to view our beautiful campus from the air and the stunning surrounding scenery."

The Sea King Mk4 – known throughout the Naval world as the Junglie – are the green giants of the Fleet Air Arm. Wherever Royal Marines go in the world, they are accompanied by the venerable Sea Kings of the Commando Helicopter Force, based at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset.