Ref. 25761-83Swindon pupils had a rare treat when they were taken on a preview of the air tattoo at Fairford. ANTHONY OSBORNE went with them and reports on their day.

EUROPE'S biggest military airshow is really cool, according to youngsters who had a preview before the event takes off.

Students from Swindon College, Greendown School and Churchfields School were among around 16,000 school children and cadets invited for a sneak look at the Royal International Air Tattoo yesterday.

The Evening Advertiser joined some of the students from Churchfields School to see what they thought of the biggest tattoo at Fairford yet.

The school sent 65 students chosen to go because of excellent attendance records along with four teachers. Although not all were prepared for the poor weather on the day, the students remained enthusiastic.

The last day of term started at 9.15am with the ride in a double-decker bus to the Glou-cestershire base. Heavy traffic caused a few delays, but eventually the students were dropped off for the short walk to the main entrance.

Each student had to be checked by personnel with metal detectors before entering the show ground.

Mal Criddle, the teacher who organised the day out for the students said: "I think the students have been really looking forward to today.

"It took a little while to get in, but everything seems to be well organised, there are certainly plenty of things to do for the children.

"I really don't think the weather will affect their enthusiasm. They never seem to be too concerned about the wind and rain."

In spite of the hundreds of aircraft on display, the students were quick to point out the distinctive F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter and the huge B-52 bomber so familiar on television news during the war on Iraq.

Gareth Tinworth, 15, from Old Town, was enthusiastic about the day. He said: "I was here last year and I had a great time.

"This year the show looks fantastic. Aircraft aren't really my thing though. I would probably have a go on some of the activities if I was coming on the weekend."

Sophia Mazzotta, 15, also from Old Town, shared Gareth's sentiments, saying: "We only found out on Wednesday that we were coming to the air tattoo and I've been really looking forward to it, not so much the aircraft, but the idea of playing paintball and having a go on the simulators is really fantastic.

"It's a great day out, especially for the last day of term."

David Lees, 15, from Old Walcot said: "I prefer my sport and athletics, but the show looks pretty cool. It's a great way of finding out about a career in the forces."

Michelle Cottrell, 15, from Park South, was extremely enthusiastic about seeing the aircraft on display.

She said: "It's great seeing all the planes on the ground, some people don't realise how many different types of aircraft there are, what they do, and that is why this show is great."

Michelle was even more pleased after going aboard an American special forces Hercules aircraft. She added: "It was amazing in the cockpit all those buttons and controls. I am amazed how the pilots remember what they all do."

The students and cadets at the Youth Day were to have been a given short preview air display but the low cloud meant that only the bravest of pilots were prepared to take-off.

The pilot of the East Coast Display A-10 Thunderbolt cut short his display soon after take-off and the New Zealand Air Force Boeing 757 disappeared into the low crowd seconds after leaving the ground.

Pam Adams, head of girls PE at Churchfields said: "I think we teachers have been looking forward to this event to.

"I come to the show every year in the evening, and I thought that by coming today I would see some of the display but we cannot help the weather."

"It is great we can reward the students this way, and when others see what's been happening today, they will work hard for the rewards too."

The first-ever Youth day was designed to provide 11-18 year olds with an introduction to life in today's modern armed forces highlighting the great variety of careers available to young people.

In spite of being an airshow, equipment and displays from both the Army and Navy were on display.

While for entertainment, former Five band member Abs performed his latest single, Miss Perfect, to an adoring crowd.