The pilots from 672 Squadron 9 Regiment Army Air Corps (9 AAC), based at Dishforth Airfield, were assisted by Army ground crews and the Stean Moor Commoners Association (SMCA), as they looked to replace a 2.2km section of fencing in an area which is inaccessible to vehicles on the ground.

Stean Moor is regularly used by crews from 9 AAC both during the day and night for a variety of training exercises.

So when the Commoners Association asked for help in mending the time-weathered fencing, they were happy to come to the rescue.

And despite poor visibility and bad weather, the team managed to complete half the refencing in a single afternoon.

Arnold Brown from the SMCA said: “The pilots really had to concentrate very hard to do it. We were all very impressed by their skill – the way they were able to work safely even in conditions like that. Replacing the fencing would have been impossible without the Army’s help.”

Prior to the operation, Capt Charlie Gillson, Hadian Flight Commander, said: “It is a great opportunity to get in some quality and challenging practise of the under slung technique and will severely test both the pilots and the ground crews.

“In addition, however, it is a marvellous opportunity to put something back into the community with all the training we do in the area.”

A Lynx helicopter and a 25-strong ground crew took part in the exercise, with the aircraft lifting about 20 loads, totalling around 8 tonnes worth of equipment. They will complete the refencing in September.