A FLIGHT simulator at Wrexham Glyndwr University welcomed a very special guest to its controls.

This is because Councillor Andy Williams, Mayor of Wrexham County Borough, was given the chance to take to the skies in the simulator.

This came after Glyndwr Engineering Technician Paul Green met him at a swimming gala held recently in Wrexham and the pair discussed the engineering facilities available at the campus – including the simulator, which the Mayor was keen to hear about.

Mr Green said: “I decided that it might be nice to invite the Mayor to the Campus to let him try his hand at flying a plane himself, and spoke to Associate Dean John Worden to suggest the idea.

“We’re always keen to show people some of the technology that our students can get to use on their courses, and it was great to be able to welcome the Mayor and put him at the controls of our simulator.”

During his visit, the Mayor – alongside his Mayoral Consort and his son Luke – was given a tour of some of the engineering facilities, talked through the theory of flying by lecturer Nick Burdon – and then put behind the controls of an Airbus A320.

Mr Burdon said: “Our simulator can offer the experience of flying a wide range of aircraft – indeed, as I told the Mayor during his visit, our aeronautical engineering students can design and modify their own aircraft and then test them using the simulator.

“For the Mayor’s flight, we decided to offer him the chance to pilot an Airbus A320 – which is appropriate as he is set to visit the company in the coming weeks.

“He was given the chance to take off, pilot and land the plane during his ten-minute session – as was his son Luke, which prompted some good-natured competition.

“It was great to welcome the Mayor to campus and to talk him through some of the facilities we offer – and he’s welcome to come back and fly with us any time.”