SCHOOL pupils from Bournemouth were visited by a military aircraft so that they could see a fine example of British engineering.

Pupils from the Bourne Academy, on Hadow Road, came out to see the Apache helicopter from the 673 Squadron Army Air Corps fly over and then land so they could gain a closer look.

It aimed to inspire the latest generation of young engineers, to see the potential in their future careers as part of building something powerful, which is used on a daily basis out in Afghanistan by British troops.

Richard Youngs is now the director of business strategy at the Bourne Academy, but previously, he was the Squadron Commander of 673 Squadron Army Air Corps, working in the Army for 16 years.

He said: “It is nice to see young people get inspired about something. It doesn’t matter what it is, just get inspired and if you can help them to find out what they want to do, and encourage them, then that’s fantastic.”

“It’s bringing it to life and showing them that it is real.”

The experience also proved some reward to the Engineering and Design students at the school, for their success at the Greenpower challenge, which involves them designing, building and racing an electric car.

The Bourne Academy team reached 16th place out of 400 schools in the competition, with their The Bourne Bullet, and received the Best Newcomer Award in the first year that the school has taken part.

Will Storey, head of engineering and design, said: “We’ve got 46 students that do engineering, and we’ve worked with Canford School weekly over the past year on the Bourne Bullet Greenpower Car.

He added: “I think having the Apache Helicopter here today just shows that the kids can just be wowed through engineering.”

Bengisu Kuskanc, 14, said: “When I was told that I was going to be one of a select group who were going to watch the helicopter come in, I wanted to shout and scream, but we weren’t allowed to tell anyone”

Chantelle Holden, 14, said: “I’m doing a GCSE and a BTEC, which started 3-4 weeks ago. I chose to do it because I like electronics and just more practical work. It was cool because I want to be an engineer in the Navy.”

Hannah Booth, 15, said: “I’ve had my heart set on engineering since I was in year seven, and I want to go on to Marine Engineering. It was such an adrenaline rush, knowing the helicopter was going to be coming.”

Daniel Dahlstram, 14, said: “I’ve been doing engineering since year seven, and I’ve been interested in it since I was five years old. I just like to know how stuff works, and this is really good.”