Nine students enjoyed a VIP trip to Portsmouth, including a tour of HMS Queen Elizabeth.

The students from The Bay Church of England School in Sandown visited the Royal Navy aircraft carrier.

The Year 11 pupils walked on the massive flight deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth and tried their hands at using fire-fighting equipment and carrying out other challenges.

They also spoke to crew members about the varying careers available within the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

At the Mary Rose Museum in the Historic Dockyard, volunteers gave the group a fascinating insight into the history of the ship and its sinking off Southsea in 1545.

The trip was assisted by ferry company Wightlink, which supported the organisers with cross-Solent travel.

The visit was arranged through Community Action Isle of Wight’s Bay Youth Project (BYP) partnership with the Royal Navy Attract team.

Attract regularly delivers leadership courses to schools and community groups on the Island.