PUPILS and staff were treated to a festival of military-themed activities to celebrate Armed Forces Day.

A group from Amport Church of England Primary School enjoyed a Camo Day, with a special surprise at nearby Amport House, where, thanks to the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, they were able to watch a Royal Navy Merlin Mark 3 Helicopter land.

The children were then invited on board to explore the aircraft, to try out the equipment and sit in the cockpit with pilot, before quizzing the crew.

Pupils then took part in a range of army-themed activities on the village green, which were organised by parents and the 5th Battalion from Bulford Camp.

They were put through their paces on an army assault course and were challenged to spot a camouflaged soldier in the undergrowth.

And the children were given the chance to experience a black-out tent and spy on their classmates using specialist night-vision goggles.

Headteacher Bernadette Fleet said: “The day gave us all the opportunity to really celebrate and share with the children the positive role of the Armed Forces in the world.

“Currently, we have about 11 per cent of our children whose parents serve in the Armed Forces, so it gave them an opportunity to share with their peers what life is like as a child in a service family.

“I would like to thank Lieutenant Colonel Gayner, Major Darley, Captain Rowntree, Lieutenant Colonel Ridland and all their colleagues as well as Rev’d Aldred from Amport House for making this truly memorable event happen.”