THE last thing the residents of a small North-East community expected to land in their back yard was an RAF Chinook helicopter.

But when the helicopter had to make an emergency landing in the quiet village of Eppleby, near Darlington, the pilot and crew got a surprise reception.

Not only did the local primary school catch wind that one of the RAF's most prized fighting machines had touched ground just yards from their playground, but most of the village managed to turn out to get a look at it as well.

The helicopter was forced to make an impromptu landing in a field after suffering hydraulic problems.

Post office worker Caroline Stacey said: "It's been quite a big talking point for the village. The pilot and crew even gave us a peek inside the helicopter."

The helicopter, which was on a training exercise and had flown from RAF Leeming, in North Yorkshire, was forced to land at 3pm on Tuesday.

Engineers from the Army base at Catterick were called out to check the helicopter, which was closely guarded by officials overnight.

The Chinook eventually took off shortly after 12.30pm yesterday, and was accompanied by another helicopter on its way back to RAF Leeming.

Christopher Fall, ten, said the helicopter's appearance in the village caused quite a stir.

He said: "It was like a dream come true. We all got a look inside the chopper, although the pilot wouldn't let us touch the dials.

"But the pilot did make the effort to circle the village after she took off so we could wave goodbye. It was a real experience.