Gallery: Helicopter treat for primary school pupils

AN army of maroon ants marched out onto the playing fields of Dunmow Primary School on Wednesday morning (March 24) to welcome a special flying visitor. The ants were actually pupils wearing their school blazers, but they were described by a pilot of

AN "army of maroon ants" marched out onto the playing fields of Dunmow Primary School on Wednesday morning (March 24) to welcome a special flying visitor.

The 'ants' were actually pupils wearing their school blazers, but they were described by a pilot of a helicopter which was making an arranged visit.

The Squirrel helicopter, operated by educational company Heli-wise, hovered over the school buildings before landing smack bang in the middle of the playground.

In order to guide it in, pupils and teachers formed the school crest, a willow tree, in the playground. This was the idea of nine-year-old Nathan Biggs who won the competition to decide on a welcome logo to assist the pilot.

Headteacher Sylvia Ruck said: "The excitement around the school during the whole morning was great. It really was something out of the ordinary and a great experience for the children."

During the two-hour visit, all of the school's pupils got the chance learn about how the helicopter works and also get their photos taken alongside it.