THE first thing they heard was the noise from three gas turbine engines, a kind of powerful drone fanned by the downwash created by the blades of the huge CH-53 Super Stallion helicopters.

As villagers peered anxiously from the windows of their homes the aircraft hovered over a playing field before gently descending to the ground.

Each machine bore the United States military livery to show they were members of the helicopter combat support squadron, the so-called Black Stallions.

They were accompanied by two smaller helicopters in a rehearsal for the arrival of George Bush.

Once they were over the shock villagers went outside for a closer look. Some took photographs and a handful emerged with video cameras to capture the moment the advance party preparing the way for the President of the United States came to Trimdon, County Durham.

Ben Fletcher, 67, from Trimdon Colliery, said:"I have seen these before because I served in the Navy and I wasn't as shocked as most people.

"It was a pretty amazing sight. The whole street where I live was filled with people staring into the sky.

"We have had a lot of presidential visits since Tony Blair came to power and we are used to officials driving up and down the roads. But this was in a different league."

Another householder said: "There was this tremendous commotion outside and when I looked out it was like something from a Hollywood blockbuster. We're not used to all this in Trimdon, it is quite unsettling.

"The sooner the President comes and leaves again the better, all this fuss is causing disruption in our lives."

Mr Bush and his wife, Laura, are expected in County Durham with the Prime Minister on Friday when the president may spend time at Mr Blair's Myrobella home.

As far as security goes, nothing is being left to chance.

After all, President Bush is the most powerful man in the world, able to deploy unimaginable destruction at the press of a button.

He carries with him a metal briefcase that contains the codes needed to order a nuclear attack. No wonder about 40 police officers were carrying out yet another security sweep yesterday.

Drainage systems along roads surrounding the Prime Minister's home were blocked off and sealed. Gas meters on the sides of residents' homes were also covered in rubber casings.

Four armed guards stood watch at the entrance to Myrobella and officers patrolled the village streets in Trimdon Colliery. A number of police spotter planes were also seen overhead.

While residents went about their daily routines, bit-by-bit the village was sealed off from unauthorised intrusion.

One villager said: "We don't really want our lives disrupted. We have seen groups of Americans patrolling round and taking notes."

Paul Smith, 34, from Fishburn, said: "It seems pointless bringing George Bush here. He can talk to the Prime Minister in London, can't he?"