TEENAGERS in North Somerset are being invited to get involved with flying machines.

TEENAGERS in North Somerset are being invited to get involved with flying machines.

The Helicopter Museum, in Locking Moor Road, has appointed an education officer, Heather Fowler, to speak with children in schools throughout North Somerset to get them interested in aviation and helicopters.

Heather said: "We already have several volunteers in their late teens and even one young lady helping to restore helicopters as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award."

The Museum was awarded a £290,500 Heritage Lottery Fund grant last year to enable the organisation to expand its training facilities including a new classroom for aviation engineers and 60-seat cinema at the site.

It will also be unveiling new interactive displays, including a life-size gear box later this year and its summer exhibition will be aimed at a younger audience.

The museum, which opened in 1989, receives 20,000 visitors each year and is the largest helicopter museum in the world.

The total cost of the scheme is £385,000 and the museum has managed to secure a further £95,000 in sponsorship from helicopter company Agusta Westland, Weston Town Council and the museum's Friends network.

Last year the museum completed a £150,000 new hangar from its own funds.

The Museum is staffed by volunteers and there are vacancies in its gift shop. Anyone who would like to join the team can call 01934 635227.