THE sight of a massive bird of prey looming over a horde of children might strike terror into some people’s hearts.

But there was no fear in the faces of the pupils at St Michael’s Roman Catholic Primary School, Chatham, when a bald eagle swooped in for a visit.

The eagle, called Alaska, was brought into the school as part of Animal Week, which sees different animals arrive each day to delight and educate the children.

In between a visit from guide dogs on Monday and a slithery encounter with a python on Wednesday, Alaska flew in along with a tawny owl, a falcon and several other birds of prey.

The eagle and his chums were brought in by Alan Ames of the Eagle Heights Bird of Prey Centre at Eynsford.

The children learned all about the lifestyle of the stunning creatures and were able to feel the down-draught from the birds’ wings as they flew at almost head-height across the school hall.

“(The birds) were a huge success,” said school secretary Ann Tullen. “The look of awe and amazement on the children’s faces was wonderful. They thoroughly enjoyed it.

“The eagle was very popular, but many children liked the owl because of its associations with Harry Potter.”

St Michael’s School, in Hills Terrace, Chatham, holds a theme week each term. Animal Week was rounded off with a talk from a veterinary assistant about animal welfare and a demonstration in obedience by dog trainers.

Next term, children will learn about environmental issues.