Anyone wondering about the amount of helicopters flying at night time in recent weeks, the mystery has been solved.

Members of 820 squadron at RNAS Culdrose are getting ready to embark onto the new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth this autumn and winter, with personnel carrying out final preparations.

It is for this reason that there has been an increase in night flying over the skies of Helston, Mullion and the Lizard Peninsula recently.

A Culdrose spokesperson said: "Crews routinely avoid inhabited areas in an attempt to keep disruption to a minimum, and we hope that those who have been disturbed by aircraft flying at night will understand that our aviators have to prepare for operations at this particularly busy time.

"The high level of night flying should abate once this essential pre-deployment training is complete."

Soon the whole squadron – aircrew, engineers and support personnel - will join the ship and sail with her across the Atlantic for the next stage of her sea trials.

This stage is the fixed-wing aircraft part of the trials, the highlight of which will be F-35B jets touching down on her deck for the first time.

The squadron will be protecting HMS Queen Elizabeth from threats on and below the surface of the sea, as well as providing search and rescue cover.

Meanwhile, back on base, Culdrose has a new commanding officer in the form of Captain Anthony Rimington - a highly experienced helicopter pilot who has served on an array of operations during his career in the Fleet Air Arm.

He joins the air station from a role helping to deliver the Royal Navy's two new aircraft carriers, plus the F-35B jets and Crowsnest helicopters that will operate from them in the future.

Captain Rimington said: "It is a huge privilege to take command of RNAS Culdrose and marks the highlight, to date, of my naval career. I am looking forward to getting to know the air station, its people and the local community as we work together to deliver maritime aviation in support of the Royal Navy’s aim of protecting the nation’s interests around the globe."

He is taking over from Captain Dan Stembridge, who has spent the last two years in charge.