FOUR students from Norton College were chosen to join in the celebrations to mark the Royal Air Force’s 100th birthday in London recently.

The trip of a lifetime was first prize for winning a national competition, organised by the Historical Association, to mark the RAF’s centenary.

Students entering the competition had to research information on an airbase in their locality.

The four winning Year 9 students - Sam Havenhand, Sam Spencer,

Kian Watson and Ruby Ellis Weatherill - chose RAF Carnaby in Bridlington.

The competition also involved researching technology the RAF could utilise.

The students worked with Dr Andy Jackson, a science teacher, with Norton College entering four teams.

James Wigby, history teacher and organiser, said: “All the students who entered really got stuck in, showing team work, careful analysis and good presentation skills.

“For the winning team to get VIP tickets to the RAF Centenary events at Westminster Abbey and Horse Guards Parade was very special and the memory will stay with them for a long time, especially the spectacular flypast over Buckingham Palace”

Kian Watson, age 14, one of the winners, added: “Working as a group was good fun and I learnt a lot of interesting facts especially about the technology the RAF might use in the future. In London, we were about ten feet away from the Royal family. I saw the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh and met Prince Edward and spoke to him.”