PUPILS were left open-mouthed when an unexpected guest literally dropped in to their school.

Year 6 children at St Michael's RC Primary School in Ribble Drive, Whitefield, were filming their leavers’ video when they noticed a strange object in the sky.

As they looked closer, they noticed it was a hot-air balloon — getting closer and closer.

In dramatic fashion, the blue balloon landed on the school's playing fields and children were allowed to go over to investigate.

It turned out that aviation enthusiast Eric Gordon had carried out a controlled landing after running low on gas.

After rolling up the balloon, Mr Gordon, who lives in Walkden, was only too happy to allow the children to sit in the basket — and it proved an apt coincidence.

"Appropriately enough, the school leavers' video song is I Believe I Can Fly, so we were able to film the video right next to the balloon," said assistant headteacher Collette Howe.

She added: "It's not the kind of thing that happens every day, but the children really enjoyed it and the people who were with the balloon were very friendly."

One of those enjoying the unscripted landing on Monday June 29 was pupil Cara Franks, aged 11.

She said: "I was surprised because I've never seen a hot-air balloon before and didn't expect it to land on our field.

"It was very exciting. We were filming a video for the end of year, so we were able to put the balloon on it too."

Nik Szablinksyj, aged nine, said: "I felt shocked because I didn't have a clue that it was going to land. I wanted to explore it,"

Seven-year-old Maciej Dobrzanski added: "It was fantastic because when they landed, they shot flames up into the balloon. It was massive."

Mr Gordon was able to fold up the balloon and get a lift home from his wife.