THE commanding officer at Dishforth Army Air Corps Base shared vacuum-packed apple turnover with pupils when he visited an Ilkley school.

Children at Westville House School were recently privileged to receive a visit from Colonel Cook OBE, base commander of the Dishforth Army Air Corps.

Col Cook gave a fascinating insight into the history of the OBE and the honour associated with it. He talked about why he was recently awarded this order of chivalry and how proud he was to receive it.

He then went on to explain how the army are trained to survive and operate in all weather conditions around the world. He brought along a wide range of survival gear including the food packages they have to live on.

These included dry vacuum packed vegetable curry and apple turnover.

The children learnt many exciting scientific facts about how high-tech army equipment works and how vital it is to be organised and prepared for life outdoors.

The Form Four children had great fun later experimenting with the equipment and enjoyed chatting to the Colonel about army life.