YOUNGSTERS were able to get a close-up view of an RAF jet when they toured a North Yorkshire air base to discover more about aviation science and technology.

Pupils from the Richmond School science, technology, engineering and maths group visited RAF Leeming to get a greater understanding of aeronautics and aerodynamics to assist them with a project in which they are creating a model aircraft.

Sergeant Kev Stannard, of 90 Signals Unit, is amongst a small team of ambassadors for the sscience, technology, engineering and maths network at the base and helped arrange the visit for the students.

“I think visits such as these will provide great benefits,” he said.

“There is a lot of interest, a lot of talented youngsters and this will help reinforce what they are learning. They’re asking some great questions and hopefully this will spark further interest and assist with any future choices they need to make regarding education and career options.”

Physics teacher Abigail Hope, said: “The network is all about inspiring the students and helping them realise there is a use for everything they are learning in lessons.

“It’s been great to get the students here to see where they could potentially use science and technology and remove those lab coat stereotypes.”