History was brought to life as primary school pupils enjoyed a visit to a 'fantastic' museum.

Pupils from Woods Loke Primary School in Oulton Broad recently visited the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum at Flixton, near Bungay.

Ross Javes, lower Key Stage 2 manager at the school in Butley Drive, was full of praise for the way the visit was organised. He said: 'Our visit to the Flixton museum was a fantastic day out. It is evident the volunteers there work tirelessly to provide an immersive experience for the children, bringing history to life.'

With the children in Years 3 and 4 currently studying the Second World War, the Flixton staff provided numerous activities that allowed the children to see many artefacts.

Mr Javes said: 'There were opportunities to 'fly' in simulators, hold weapons, try on gas masks, sound a gas rattle, wear items of wartime uniforms - not to mention touching a real leather Spitfire pilot's flying helmet, used in the Battle of Britain - all added to the excitement of the day.

'Thank you to the staff at the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum, you were the best!'

Pam Veale, the museum's Education Officer, organised the two stage visit. She said: 'We view these days as a golden opportunity for the museum to host local schools and introduce the children to a serious subject, but at the same time to learn that museums can be fun and interactive experiences'.

The museum, which was formed in 1973, is one of the largest privately owned collections of aircraft and aviation memorabilia in the region, regularly attracting more than 20,000 visitors a year.

The museum is open from April to October, Sunday to Thursday from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free but donations are welcomed.

Visit www.aviationmuseum.net for further details.