PUPILS at a Sherborne school got a festive lift – when a Royal Navy helicopter landed on the playing field.

Youngsters at Sherborne Primary School were excited to have a surprise visit from the Navy Wildcat, piloted by Lt Cdr William Thornton and Lt Cdr David Lilly.

The pair shocked the children with the visit, dressed as Santa.

It was particularly special as Lt Cdr Thornton’s son Gabriel is a pupil and he was very excited to see his dad land at school.

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Head of school, Felicity Griffiths, said: “This was a really magical experience for the children; seeing a real helicopter land at school was an amazing surprise.

“We’re so grateful to the brilliant pilots, and to RNAS Yeovilton for all their efforts in pulling this together and delivering some festive joy.”

Pilots Lt Cdr William Thornton and Lt Cdr David Lilly chatted with children at Sherborne Primary School

Sherborne Primary School pupils were surprised by the helicopter visit – with Santa on board!