Lieutenant Commander Martin Lanni and his crew from HMS Gannet at Prestwick in Scotland, visited the Specialist College school to chat to students about the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm, and allow the youngsters to get a good look around the Sea King helicopter.

The search-and-rescue helicopter landed on the playing fields at about 10am on Friday, and the crew were available to chat to students and teachers about their jobs.

QKS students also had the opportunity to see the inside of the helicopter and sit behind the controls, and the Royal Navy crew made a presentation to Years 10 and 11.

"We try to do school visits as often as we are able," explained Martin, Executive Officer (second in command) at HMS Gannet. "But obviously for me this is a particularly exciting one. When we were asked if we would visit I was really delighted to say 'yes'.

"My time at Queen Katherine School was great – I'm glad to see it's still as popular a school as ever."

QKS Headteacher, Stephen Wilkinson, said: "The visit by the Royal Navy and its aircraft was a fantastic opportunity for our students to be able to get up close with a rescue helicopter, as well as to chat to the men and women who serve their country, and it was obviously made all the more special being led by one of our former students."