AWE-STRUCK children at Crossflatts Primary School watched open-mouthed as an elite army parachute team floated to earth at the start of a very special event today.

The Royal Logistics Silver Stars arrived at the start of a celebratory day for pupils, slightly delayed by early morning fog, but then finally swooped down through blue skies and onto playing fields at the Bingley school.

And the day got even better for the youngsters with a visit from Bradford City captain Stephen Darby and the Northern Ballet.

Head teacher Nicola Bennett told what happened on what she called the Big Start to a two-day learning experience with the theme ‘Be the Best You can Be!’

“Every year we believe it is crucial that we light the learning fires within our children so that they are truly engaged and ignited to learn.

“We are working on developing our children’s sense of resilience and perseverance so that our children understand that success comes from having grit, determination and not being afraid of sheer hard work.

“With this in mind, we wanted the Big Start to provide the opportunity to surround the children over today and tomorrow with people, who are at the ‘top of their game’.

“Therefore we were lucky enough to secure the Royal Logistic Corps Silver Stars Parachute team, the oldest parachute display team in the military to perform a display for us over our school field.

“It was a privilege to see the joy on the children’s faces as they watched the display!

“We also welcomed Keisha Hamilton from The Northern Ballet, Stephen Darby, the captain of Bradford City Football Club, along with our own climbing wall.

“The children were absolutely in awe of all of these wonderful people and many have already told me they want to be a parachute person when they grow up and can we get our own Crossflatts Helicopter for rides?

“In the past we have arranged for a circus and big top to visit the school, for the whole school to go on the Worth Valley steam train to Haworth and we even booked a fun fair to come to school complete with helter-skelter,

“I know that we will all remember today forever,” Mrs Bennett said.

Evelyn Richardson, a year six pupil, said: “It’s been the best day of my life!”

Angelica Michelle, of year five, said “My favourite part was listening to the Bradford city footballer Stephen Darby telling us about his career because he is really, really famous.”