Passers-by and aviation enthusiasts gathered in Portland, Dorset on England's south coast on Friday (December 9) to see five Royal Navy Merlin Commando helicopters and and three Wildcat helicopters at close quarters.

"The squadron of Merlin helicopters waited for troops to embark, very much to the delight of passers-by and aviation enthusiasts who took the chance to photograph the choppers as they ran their rotors waiting for the soldiers," Newsflare's fillmer said.

5 Royal Navy Merlin Commando helicopters and 3 Wildcat helicopters dropped into Portland, Dorset to collect troops for a military exercise.

The squadron of the Merlin helicopters waited for troops to embark. Very much to the delight of passers-by and aviation enthusiasts who took the chance to photograph the choppers as they ran their rotors waiting for the soldiers.