RAF Chinook helicopter lands on school field in Lowestoft

The RAF has surprised youngsters from one Lowestoft-area primary school - as a Chinook landed on its playing field to gasps aplenty.

The RAF Chinook helicopter - operated from RAF Odiham - with Carlton Colville Primary School children in Lowestoft. Picture: Carlton Colville Primary School (Image: Carlton Colville Primary School)

The Chinook helicopter had been used to transport the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, across London when he visited the UK.

And pupils from Carlton Colville Primary School were then given exclusive access to it during a memorable visit from the Chinook helicopter, based at RAF Odiham in Hampshire.

The RAF Chinook helicopter - operated from RAF Odiham - with Carlton Colville Primary School children in Lowestoft. Picture: Carlton Colville Primary School (Image: Carlton Colville Primary School)

Headteacher Benjamin Axon said the school was "privileged" to host the visit - as 17 RAF crew attended for the day.

Mr Axon said: "This was a very unusual event and was such an incredible and inspiring experience for the children and school community."

The RAF Chinook helicopter - operated from RAF Odiham - with Carlton Colville Primary School children in Lowestoft. Picture: Carlton Colville Primary School (Image: Carlton Colville Primary School)

As part of the day the children were challenged to design a missile - made from paper - that was then fired using compressed air.

Other activities saw some of the rescue devices that the RAF use showcased.

The RAF Chinook helicopter - operated from RAF Odiham - with Carlton Colville Primary School children in Lowestoft. Picture: Carlton Colville Primary School (Image: Carlton Colville Primary School)

All children at the school were also able to board the Chinook.

The RAF Chinook helicopter - operated from RAF Odiham - with Carlton Colville Primary School children in Lowestoft. Picture: Carlton Colville Primary School (Image: Carlton Colville Primary School)

Mr Axon said: "The officers gave each class a detailed explanation about how the Chinook is operated along with answering many of the children’s questions.

The RAF Chinook helicopter - operated from RAF Odiham - with Carlton Colville Primary School children in Lowestoft. Picture: Carlton Colville Primary School (Image: Carlton Colville Primary School)

"The officers also informed us that this Chinook transported the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky across London."

At the end of the visit the whole school community witnessed it taking off before completing a final flyover.

The RAF Chinook helicopter - operated from RAF Odiham - with Carlton Colville Primary School children in Lowestoft. Picture: Carlton Colville Primary School (Image: Carlton Colville Primary School)

Mr Axon added: "Obviously, this is not something many children, or adults, ever get to experience and we thank Group Captain Donal McGurk at RAF Odiham and his crew for providing such an inspirational day for the children.

"This really was such a fantastic day and an experience that will stay in the children’s memory for many years to come."