A POULTON school got a flying visit from an ex-pupil at a special presentation evening recently

Flight Lieutenant Michelle Jurd has enjoyed soar-away success in her career and was a guest at Hodgson High School on November 15.

Currently serving with RAF's 33 Squadron, Michelle was a pupil between 1980-85 and was on hand to give out the prizes at the school's presentation evening.

In 1993 she became the first female helicopter navigator in the RAF and has since spent several years on active service around the globe.

Michelle spent three years on duty in Northern Ireland and has served in the USA, Belize, Central America and Norway.

In March, 1999, she was in Mozambique as part of the flood relief effort, helping to rescue stranded civilians and delivering food and medical supplies.

She is currently a helicopter tactics instructor and spends her spare time mountain walking, scuba diving and sailing.

Headmaster Mr Philip Wood spoke of Flt Lt Jurd's example to pupils and said: "In Flt Lt Jurd's career she has demonstrated a strength and depth of character to which we should all aspire."