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Kelsey's aiming high

14/ 7/2006

A SCHOOLGIRL told to aim high took the request literally when she arranged a visit to her school by a Royal Navy helicopter.

Kelsey Nolan, aged 11, wanted to arrange the landing for Armitage Primary School's aviation and space day so she simply picked up the phone and asked - much to the surprise of the Navy's recruitment team.

But the initiative of the West Gorton youngster, who took part in the 'Aim High - anything is achievable' project, paid off with a Lynx helicopter making a noisy entrance last Thursday.

Children from the school, who were only told of the visit that day, gathered on the edge of the playground to watch it land just a few metres away, clapping and cheering as they battled the down force it generated.

Lieutenant Commander Richard Cowley told the Advertiser: "It was a very unusual request and as far as I know it's the first time we've ever done something like this at a Manchester primary school.

"Sometimes it takes a child to ask the question as most people wouldn't believe it could happen.

"It just proves that if you don't ask you don't get."

Kelsey, who has secured a scholarship to start at Stockport Grammar School in September, searched the internet and telephone directories to find contact details for the Navy, making phone calls and writing a letter.

She said: "Three of us went to a meeting with our teacher and she said it would be nice if we could have something land at the school so I decided to ring the Navy.

"I was really pleased when I got a letter back saying they would come."

And Kelsey, of Abbotsbury Close, wasn't disappointed by the spectacle.

Proud mum Susan said: "It was fantastic. I couldn't believe it when the school told me what she had organised.

"She really enjoyed meeting the pilots and it was something for all the school so it was a nice way for Kelsey to finish her time here as she leaves in two weeks."

Every child, including those in the reception classes, had the opportunity to climb on board and ask the pilots questions.