Published: June 21, 2007
Helicopter flies in for surprise visit to Highbridge school

Excited children at a Highbridge school could hardly believe their eyes when they had a surprise visit from a helicopter on Wednesday afternoon (June 20th).

Beechfield School's Deputy Head, Di Davison, had organised the unannounced visit as part of a lesson to illustrate how things look different when viewed from above the earth.

The schoolchildren, aged between 4 and 7, had practised forming a smiley face on the school's playground by holding hands to make circles and lines and had been told a teacher standing on a nearby roof would take some pictures.

"They had no idea about the impending visit," Diana told Burnham-On-Sea.com. "While standing really still and listening, they heard a droning noise coming closer from far away."

"One of the children next to me said 'I can hear a helicopter noise' as the noise grew into a unique sound - a sound that could only come from a helicopter."

"This one was lower than usual and slowly moved around our school. It then turned towards us and we would see a light flashing, telling us that the pilot intended to land!"

"The children squealed with delight. The look on their faces was amazing and a delight to see."

"After landing, Tony, the crewman, gave us a captivating talk with this helicopter as his teaching aid!"

Di added: "Tony asked the children for questions and a flurry of eager hands went up. It was a fantastic afternoon where learning was combined with enjoyment - just what school should be like!"