A student with a keen interest in the RAF and aspirations of becoming a pilot has spent a week working at the UK's oldest aviation museum.

Matthew Godsen,14, who is a pupil at Bushey Meads School in Bushey, was welcomed by the de Havilland Aircraft Museum at Salisbury Hall in London Colney earlier this month for a week's work experience.

The volunteer-run museum, which opened in 1958, boasts a large collection of classic de Havilland designed aircraft both on display and being restored, including more examples of the DH Mosquito twin-engine all-wood multi-role aircraft from the Second World War. The first ever prototype is on display at the museum.

The de Havilland company created aeronautical innovations including iconic aircraft such as the de Havilland Mosquito – “The Wooden Wonder”, the Comet – the world’s first jet airliner, the Tiger Moth and the Airspeed Horsa Glider, used extensively by airborne troops in 1944 during D-Day, Arnhem and the Rhine crossing.

During his week at the museum, Matthew learned about the aviation heritage of the Hatfield-based aircraft designer from pre-First World War biplanes through to military types as well as jet airliners.

Matthew, who flew in a light aircraft with his father on his tenth birthday, and has been a regular visitor to the museum, was "delighted" with his week's experience.

Two more students are set to spend a week at de Havilland. Museum curator Alistair Hodgson said: “I was really pleased to welcome Matthew as the first of this year’s work experience students.

“Working with the Museum’s historic aircraft and engines is an excellent introduction to basic aerospace technology for these young people, and I hope that it will inspire them to become part of the next generation of engineers.

“Being able to offer work experience placements at the museum is something we have been working on for some time and we are looking forward to welcoming more students who want to get first-hand experience of the work of restoring some of Britain’s and the world’s most iconic civil and military aircraft."