PUPILS, parents and school staff marked Armed Forces Day on Friday last week, with a special surprise.

Families came together for a picnic under the sun at Wallop Primary School before the children were treated to a fly-over by an Apache helicopter.

The pilots flew over the school twice, waving at the children, before disappearing into the woods and then came round for a third time and landed on the field.

The youngsters got the chance to have a look around the helicopter and had their photos taken.

School administrator Charlotte Evans said: “They absolutely loved the day, there was screaming and excitement.

“The kids didn’t know it [the Apache] was coming, we kept it top secret.”

Once the Apache lifted off and went back to base, the school had an afternoon of activities.

Youngsters took part in an orienteering maze, hide and seek in the woods, water games, skittles and skipping, with all serving much excitement.

One of the parents also came in and brought camouflage face paint for the children to try.

Wallop Primary has also thanked Captain Farrell, Major Archer, Major Fowler and WO2 Leadsham for their support with the event. 

The school holds an Armed Forces Day celebration each year as 54 per cent of pupils on its roll are from military families.

The occasion was combined with a belated Father’s Day organised by the Parent Teacher Association, and provided the refreshment for the day.

Children made keyrings for their dads, which were presented at home time.