Louth pupil Daisy (11) takes to the skies after winning national writing competition

Kidgate Academy pupil Daisy Precious was selected as one of just three national winners from more than 1,000 entries submitted by children aged 9 to 11 from schools across the United Kingdom in the Brookie's Aviation Adventures National Writing Competition, organised by Brookfield Aviation.

Her prize was a once-in-a-lifetime aviation experience at London Oxford Airport, delivered by aviation services company Brookfield Aviation in partnership with Oxford Airport and LS Airmotive Limited.

The competition invited children to submit original stories, poems or lyrics inspired by the adventures of Brookie, the aviation company’s mascot.

Talented young writer Daisy impressed judges with her creative story which also earned a £500 donation for Kidgate Academy to spend on learning and resources.

Daisy and the other winners were given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to one of the UK's busiest regional airports. They met the airport's Fire and Rescue Service, climbed aboard a specialist airport fire engine, handled firefighting equipment and learned how emergency teams protect passengers and aircraft.

The winners also visited Air Traffic Control, where they watched controllers coordinate aircraft movements across the airport, before touring aircraft maintenance facilities to see engineers working on aircraft and learning how they are kept safe to fly.

After taking the controls of a professional flight simulator, the children received a pre-flight briefing before enjoying the highlight of the day - taking to the skies in a real light aircraft alongside an experienced instructor.

For Daisy, the experience exceeded every expectation.

"Wow, what a day," she said. "From the moment we arrived at the fire station, which was a highlight, to climbing into that light aircraft, it was completely unforgettable."

Although she admitted she felt nervous before take-off, those nerves quickly disappeared.

"Once we were up there, everything became calm and beautiful. Seeing the ancient White Horse on the hillside was just incredible. The instructor gave me the chance to take the controls, and that was unbelievable. I never thought I'd get an opportunity like that. Being trusted at eleven years old was amazing."

The experience has already inspired Daisy to think differently about her future.

"I came away so excited, thinking, 'I've flown an aircraft.' It really has made me wonder if I might want to be a pilot one day."

For Daisy's mother, Jenny Precious, the day carried an even deeper meaning.

Jenny survived a light aircraft accident in 2008 and never imagined she would step aboard a small aircraft again.

"When Daisy was selected as one of just three winners from over a thousand entrants, it felt like a dream. We were incredibly proud, but it also brought back a lot of fear. I never thought I'd go near a small plane again, yet this was something too special to miss, and I couldn't let my fears take away the opportunity for Daisy."

Jenny praised the teams at Brookfield Aviation, Oxford Airport and LS Airmotive for making the day so memorable.

"From the moment we arrived, everyone made us feel so welcome. Watching Daisy ride in the airport fire engine, meet the firefighters, visit Air Traffic Control and then take the controls of a real aircraft was something money simply can't buy."

Despite her nerves Jenny said: "The instructor was exceptional, kind, patient and reassuring. Seeing our eleven-year-old sitting there, calm and capable, flying the aircraft was incredible. The landing was nerve-racking for me, I admit. I'm fairly sure my fingernail prints are still in the instructor's seat! We came away buzzing, excited and so grateful. Daisy's beautiful glass trophy now takes pride of place in our living room as a reminder of a truly unforgettable day. Who knows? We may have a future aviation career in our family."

Todd Skaggs, Marketing and Sales Director at Brookfield Aviation, said the competition was created to inspire children to believe in themselves while opening their eyes to the opportunities available within aviation.

“We were incredibly impressed by the quality of entries this year, and Daisy’s work stood out for its imagination, creativity and storytelling.

“It is important to us that we not only inspire young people, who may be the aviators of the future, but also give back to schools, which is why we are proud to include a £500 donation as part of each winning prize.”

"Brookie began life as a marketing character, but we soon realised he could become something much more. Through Brookie's Aviation Adventures, we've shown children that creativity and imagination can open doors to real experiences and exciting careers. Seeing Daisy step confidently into a cockpit, meet aviation professionals and leave believing she could one day become a pilot is exactly why we created this competition. We hope her story inspires many more young people to dream big and discover the incredible opportunities that aviation has to offer."

Brookfield Aviation International, based in Surrey, supports the aviation sector through recruitment of pilots and engineers, as well as training and career development.

A selection of competition entries, including Daisy’s, will also be published in an online book titled Brookie’s Aviation Adventures, celebrating the creativity of young writers across the UK.

Following the success of the inaugural competition, they are already planning Brookie's Aviation Adventures 2027 and inviting businesses in the aviation industry to help expand the programme, giving even more children the opportunity to combine creative writing with an unforgettable introduction to aviation.