A TEAM of Royal Navy sailors on a fundraising mission visited York yesterday, flanked by a military helicopter.

The sailors from 815 Squadron were dropped off by Lynx helicopter at the top of the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle yesterday, and told to make their way back to their base in Yeovilton, Somerset, by Friday with no money and limited resources.

The challenge will raise money for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC), and the team were given a hand on their journey by Virgin Trains East Coast, who arranged for a train journey to York and a visit to the National Railway Museum, after the team completed a number of tasks set by the public and organisers.

As part of the challenge, the team got to visit Sir Winston Churchill’s funeral train at the National Railway Museum, and the Lynx helicopter shadowed the train from Newcastle to York.

Robert Robson, the Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, said: "This sort of activity is vital to Royal Navy training.

"We are delighted that Virgin Trains East Coast have stepped in to help, which has given the team a huge boost at the start of the challenge."

The team is formed by Lieutenant Danielle Welch, 30, Petty Officer Stuart McAllister, 35, Leading Aircraft Engineering Technician Billy Evans, 26, and Aircraft Engineering Technician Kelly Turner, 21, who are taking part as part of their programme of Leadership and Teamwork development and training.

Lt Cdr Pete Higgins, Senior Pilot 815 Naval Air Squadron, said: "After being dropped off by helicopter somewhere in the UK anything could happen, but the challenge will help RNRMC, as the principal charity of the Royal Navy, to maintain their extraordinary support to Navy personnel and our families."

To follow the team's progress or set a challenge (for a donation of £10), go to 815 Squadron Return to Base Challenge and on Twitter @815RTB. Alternatively, donations can be made at virginmoneygiving.com/team/815rtbchallenge or by texting 'Navy' to 70500 to give £5.