Rescue helicopter lands on Broadmayne First School field for special reason

The helicopter, which was piloted by rescue specialist Peter Faulding, paid a special visit to Broadmayne First School near Dorchester last week.

Mr Faulding is the chief executive at Specialist Group International, which supports rescues of all kinds, both privately and alongside police and fire services across the UK.

Peter Faulding presenting life jackets to the children of Broadmayne First School. Picture: Broadmayne First School

He came to the school in his helicopter to teach the pupil's about the importance of water safety and to deliver eight life jackets ans part of the Lucas Dobson Life Jacket Campaign.

The scheme is in memory of six-year-old Lucas Dobson, who died after falling into the River Stour at Sandwich in August, 2019.

Under the scheme, families planning boat or fishing trips will be able to borrow lifejackets from their schools, with each buoyancy aid featuring a picture of Lucas.

Mr Faulding's company was brought in by Kent Police to help look for Lucas during the desperate days for searching and sadly found his body.

Children listened to the important message and were given the chance to look around the helicopter once it landed.

Headteacher, Helen Collings said: " Living so close to the coast, and with our own swimming pool on site, water safety is really important to all of us at Broadmayne. We jumped at the chance to work with Peter on this campaign!"

The life jackets will be available for families and the local community to borrow from the school to help keep children safe near the water, whilst allowing them to take a full part in water-based activities.