AN RAF Chinook helicopter was spotted over Penley and north Shropshire on Tuesday evening, as part of a routine training mission.

The distinctive two-rotored helicopter, registration ZH901, was seen flying over the areas of Penley and Ellesmere, and was also spotted over Whixall too.

Eyewitnesses suggested it landed nearby, fuelling speculation over the nature of its mission, which was quashed by the military.

An RAF spokesman confirmed the aircraft did land near Penley, but as part of a training exercise.

"[It was] an 18 Squadron aircraft doing routine pre-deployment training," said the spokesman. "Including landing at authorised helicopter landing sites."