THE next generation of crime fighters have been given the lift of a lifetime after a police helicopter dropped in for a flying visit.

Mini Police at Heathfield Academy, Darlington, welcomed the National Police Air Service chopper to their playing field as a reward for their efforts as part of the Durham Police initiative.

The youngsters were among the first in the borough to join the team to boost community work carried out by the force.

Pilot Phil Houghton and tactical flight officers, Peter Hiser and Rob Rochester, gave the children a tour of their Durham Tees Valley-based twin-engine Eurocopter.

Sue Wilson, Heathfield assistant head, said: “The whole school turned out for the landing of the helicopter in our grounds, which was so exciting.

“The Mini Police take their responsibilities very seriously and looked very smart in their police caps.”