13875/1GAZETTE & HERALD: Youngsters had a special treat when a helicopter landed on their nursery school sports field, giving them an opportunity to check out the cabin and sit at the controls.

The visit at Lodge Farm Nursery School in Kington St Michael on Friday was part of the nursery's Summer Fun Time programme.

Every day around 40 children, aged between three months and eight years, have joined in the fun, with a different theme for the games and events each week.

Last week Disney was the theme, including the film Peter Pan. Children did all sorts of activities connected with flying including kite-making but the highlight was the visit by the helicopter, which belongs to a company called Flymagic.

Nursery manager Hilary Harley said the children were thrilled. "The children thought it was fantastic," she said.

"We heard the helicopter circling overhead and went out into the playground to watch it land on the front field. When the engine had closed down the children were able to look round the helicopter."

Other themes have included book characters, and firefighters paid a visit when they were talking about Fireman Sam. A High Seas week saw the children learning about pirates, making boats, parrots and jewellery, and an Outdoor Adventure week brought them a Wild West flavour.

The Summer Fun Time is an annual event, with the emphasis on play. "We have had a lot of fun," said Mrs Harley.