PUPILS at a Lake District school had their athletics club cut short to allow an air ambulance to land in their playing field.

The North West Air Ambulance landed at Windermere Preparatory School on Monday evening to assist with an incident on the path up to Orrest Head.

While the children were running around the field, the NWAA helicopter was circling overhead looking for a suitable place to land – and the school playing field proved to be the perfect place.

Having spotted the helicopter, Head of PE Sarah Whitehead signaled an early end to the club and the machine was able to land safely on the field.

While the medical staff made their way up to Orrest Head to treat an injured woman, the pilot chatted to pupils, parents and staff, showing them the key features of the helicopter.

Head of Windermere Preparatory School, Rachael Thomas, said: “This was obviously very exciting for the children and a great learning experience.

"It was also fantastic for the pupils to see this kind of teamwork in action. Thanks to the commitment and dedication of those called to the incident, the lady who sustained the injuries in the fall is recovering well.

"The pupils have decided that the next fundraising initiative will be to raise money for this amazing voluntary service.”