TEENAGERS from the area around Biggin Hill got the chance to find out about careers in the forces and emergency services ahead of the air fair.

The 1,200 pupils from 28 schools from across South London, Kent and Surrey had the opportunity to sample the latest equipment on site and talk to careers experts from the Army, Navy, Marines, RAF, Police, Fire and Ambulance services on the Friday before the show.

Police dogs gave a demonstration and there was a simulated road crash to show how emergency services work together.

The RAF displayed Typhoon and Hawk jets and a Merlin helicopter, while the Army showed off modern tanks and armoured vehicles at the Youth Initiative Day, organised by Air Displays International.

Air Displays International CEO Colin Hitchins said: "The occasion provided an authoritative focus on a wide range of careers and a hands-on opportunity for young people to pursue their ambitions."

Major Phil Packer, charity fundraiser and Ambassador for The Prince's Trust, made a surprise, and hugely popular, visit to the event.

He met the young people and gave a talk about his experiences.

Major Packer sustained a life-changing spinal cord injury in February 2008 whilst serving in Iraq and has recently completed the London Marathon, rowed the English Channel and hoisted himself to the summit of the 1,800ft El Capitan mountain in California using just his arms.