Pop singer Gary Barlow caused something of a stir at a school in Cornwall yesterday, when his helicopter landed on the playing fields – during the middle of a rugby match.

This resulted in a scrum of a different kind, as both players and spectators at Truro School rushed to watch the Take That star jump from the aircraft and cross the field to continue his journey onwards to the Hall for Cornwall, where he is currently performing his sell-out show A Different Stage until Saturday.

However, he did not leave without a big wave and a few words for those watching on.

Falmouth Packet: Students were delighted to see the pop singer Picture: Truro SchoolStudents were delighted to see the pop singer Picture: Truro School (Image: Picture: Truro School)

Truro School had been taking on Penryn College during the match, with one person joking on the school’s Facebook page later: “I witnessed screaming, and that was just the mums watching the rugby game. I felt for those poor boys because their whole support team disintegrated suddenly.”

Not everyone was as excited, however. One mum laughed: “My son was playing in that match. Mentioned a helicopter but not a clue it was Gary!”

The singer has since thanked the school for its warm reception, writing on Twitter: “This is so sweet - what a welcome.”

Falmouth Packet: A wave from Gary as he crosses from the helicopter Picture: Truro SchoolA wave from Gary as he crosses from the helicopter Picture: Truro School (Image: Truro School)

A spokesperson for Truro School said: “Players and spectators on the Truro School playing fields got a rather unexpected surprise as acclaimed singer, songwriter, composer and producer, Gary Barlow landed his helicopter during a rugby match between Truro School and Penryn College.

“Gary greeted excited onlookers before heading off to the Hall for Cornwall to narrate the journey of his life alongside the music from his incredible discography.

“Our operations team were on hand to secure the area and support Gary safely to his onward journey.”

Falmouth Packet: The pilot and team overseeing the landing Picture: Truro SchoolThe pilot and team overseeing the landing Picture: Truro School (Image: Truro School)

Gary is currently touring the UK with his one-man show that tells the story of his life, from a child through to finding fame and the tribulations that came after it, in what has been described as a “brave and beautiful”.

Speaking about the show in pre-publicity, Gary said: “I’ve done shows where it has just been me and a keyboard. I’ve done shows where I sit and talk to people. I’ve done shows where I’ve performed as part of a group.

“But this one, well, it's like all of those, but none of them.

“When I walk out this time, well, it’s going to be a very different stage altogether.”

He has praised the audiences in Truro for their reception, saying on Tuesday: “Absolutely wonderful opening night in Truro - beautiful audience.”

There remain a very small number of tickets available for the final show at the Hall for Cornwall on Saturday evening.