Two of the Lynx crew are from the North East

A treat will be descending from the skies for youngsters at five schools in north-east England.

Pupils in Northumberland and Tyneside are to get a flying visit from a Royal Navy Lynx helicopter, stationed aboard HMS Cumberland.

The chopper from the Type 22 Frigate will fly into the region under the expert aviation skills of Lieutenant Matt Nelson.

Lieutenant Nelson, the pilot, will be joined by observer Lieutenant Juliet Scott and eight flight engineers.

Two of the officers are from the North East - Chief Petty Officer Gav Stapleton and Air Engineering Mechanic John McCaffery.

Navy life

The crew will be visiting Wellfield First School, Whitley Bay on Tuesday, 24 June, and Springwell Village Primary, Gateshead and Whitley Bay High School, Whitley Bay on Wednesday, 25 June.

That will be followed by visits to Hookergate School, of Rowlands Gill, near Gateshead, and Ashington High School, Ashington, on Thursday, 26 June.

Mr Nelson explained: "We have strong links with the North East and when we heard we could come to the area, we thought it would be a great opportunity to visit the schools and meet some of the local youngsters.

"The trip's even more special for Gav and John, as they're from the North East, and we're keen to talk to the pupils to let them know all about our life with the Royal Navy."