Military helicopters have been spotted in skies above East Lancashire this week and we can reveal why.

Videos and pictures have emerged of Boeing Chinook helicopters flying across Lancashire skies all week.

Those eager to spot one of the helicopters for themselves are in luck as an RAF spokesperson says they are operating from now until 22 July.

Some eagle-eyed people reported seeing the flying machines over Oswaldtwistle on Wednesday (13 July).

Another spotted the helicopter has been spotted from a home in Osbaldeston and appeared to be flying towards Ribchester.

Lancashire Telegraph: A Chinook helicopter spotted from OsbaldestonA Chinook helicopter spotted from Osbaldeston

Alan Hood spotted three "noisy ones" flying over Brierfield in the Borough of Pendle on Sunday (17 July).

Lancashire Telegraph: Alan Hood spotted three Chinooks over Brierfield Alan Hood spotted three Chinooks over Brierfield

An RAF spokesperson said student pilots are conducting a training exercise in the helicopters.

An RAF spokesperson said: “RAF Chinook helicopters from 28 Squadron based at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire are conducting operational flying training at and around RAF Woodvale, near Formby in Merseyside.”

This exercise is the operational flying phase of the Chinook Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) where student pilots are prepared for operational flying before they join the Chinook Force at RAF Odiham in Hampshire. 

The exercise started on the 11th of July and is scheduled to finish on the 22nd of July. 

According to the RAF website, the Chinook is an “extremely capable” and “highly versatile” support helicopter that can be operated from land bases or ships.

It may be armed and is fitted with self-defence equipment.

The aircraft is primarily used for trooping, resupply and battlefield casualty evacuation.

Did you spot a Chinook helicopter in Lancashire this week? Send your photos and videos to: sarah.mcgee@newsquest.co.uk.