TWO distinctive military helicopters have been flying over Herefordshire today (June 20).

The Defence Helicopter Flying School flew over Hereford and the surrounding areas at around 3pm.

The helicopters came from the Royal Air Force station in Shawbury, which provides training to the armed forces and international partners.

The school trains helicopter crews for the armed forces, and delivers qualified helicopter instructions, with the base in Shawbury also training air traffic controllers, weapons controllers, identification officers and other operations personnel.

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According to the RAF website, helicopter flying courses take place five times a year, with 12 pilots and two crewmen on each course. This is to train the next generation of personnel.

The defence helicopters are often spotted over Herefordshire, and often stop at the territorial army centre in the city.

The TA centre in Harold Street is home to A Company 6 Rifles, which trains and prepares soldiers for front line operations.