STUDENTS learned a military lesson when a former pupil dropped by for a flying visit in a Royal Navy helicopter.

The Lynx helicopter, from 815 Naval Air Squadron, in Yeovilton, Somerset, landed on the sports field at St John’s RC School, in Bishop Auckland, yesterday, to raise awareness of career opportunities in the Royal Navy.

Youngsters spent around two hours looking into the aircraft, and meeting its crew, which included former student Karl Burns.

Aircraft engineering technician Mr Burns, 23, from Bishop Auckland, left the school in 2002 and joined the Royal Navy a year later.

He said: “It is brilliant to be back here and great to see the youngsters’ faces light up when we flew in. I encouraged them to work hard at their education to get a good foundation now, and then aim high when they leave school.”

Principal Frank O’Neill said: “This has been a fantastic experience for students, particularly because one of our former pupils was involved.

“Learning about professions to do with engineering is valuable because we are a technology college.”

For details on Royal Navy careers, go to royalnavy.mod.uk/careers