A group of disabled teenagers got to travel like James Bond for a day, having the adventure of their lives.

Students from St Nicholas special school in Chippenham took a thrilling ride in a six-seater plane and open top classic cars thanks to aviation charity fly2help.

The five 16 to 18-year-olds have profound and multiple learning difficulties, restricted mobility and limited communication skills.

But there was no mistaking the smiles when they took off in the Piper Malibu aircraft on Friday and soared over the Severn Bridge and the Malvern Hills in an exhilarating 25-minute flight.

Sue Flavin, assistant head at St Nicholas School, said: “What we saw on their faces was pure joy. They were just having a wonderful time.”

Also joining them for the uplifting experience were some of the parents and 13-year-old Ben, who goes to a special school in Bath and is recovering from a heart transplant.

After his experience he said: “Plane again please mummy, please mummy.”

Woolly hats kept the teens cosy in the open top Austin Healey Sprite and Alfa Romeo as they drove in tandem with the wind in their faces. They also visited the airport fire and rescue service, where they explored a fire engine and ambulance helicopter and sprayed water across the runway.

Their adventure took place in Staverton at Gloucester-shire Airport, which picked fly2help as their chosen charity this year. They run the Air Smiles days to offer respite and escapism for those experiencing difficult situations such as illness, disability, bereavement or isolation.

Helen Tempest, who helps organise the days, said: “It creates really special memories; we create a photo book for them so they can look back and relive the smiles when days are tough.”

She said the charity is seeking sponsorship and volunteers. “It is emotional but you get home and feel you’ve really achieved something,” she said.

Anyone who would like to fundraise, host guests, or nominate someone for an Air Smiles day, can call (01285) 770821 or email info@fly2help.org