Optimus Prime – the leader of the Autobots in the Transformers movie franchise – paid a surprise visit to pupils at a north Essex school today.

East Anglian Daily Times: Pupils at Boxted St Peter's Primary School meet Transformer Optimus Prime. Picture: WILL LODGEPupils at Boxted St Peter's Primary School meet Transformer Optimus Prime. Picture: WILL LODGE (Image: Archant)

The truck, used in the first three films, turned up at Boxted St Peter’s Primary School to the surprise and delight of children there.

Chosen after winning a competition organised by franchise-holder Hasbro, the reaction of youngsters in Years 4 and 5 was filmed as part of a promotional video being prepared ahead of the June 23 release of the latest blockbuster Transformers: The Last Knight.

Children were told the camera crew was there to make a video for the school website.

Teacher Pippa Davies said: “It was quite a surprise and a very exciting day.

East Anglian Daily Times: Pupils at Boxted St Peter's Primary School meet Transformer Optimus Prime. Picture: WILL LODGEPupils at Boxted St Peter's Primary School meet Transformer Optimus Prime. Picture: WILL LODGE (Image: Archant)

“The children didn’t know anything about it, but the parents and staff did and the excitement built up – the adults were just as excited as the pupils.

“It’s not your typical school day.”

The children also got toys and goody bags.

Lawrence Keane, account director for 4media, on behalf of Hasbro, added: “The kids seemed to really enjoy it.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Pupils at Boxted St Peter's Primary School filmed after meetingTransformer Optimus Prime. Picture: WILL LODGEPupils at Boxted St Peter's Primary School filmed after meetingTransformer Optimus Prime. Picture: WILL LODGE (Image: Archant)

Isaak Abbott, 10, said “It was so exciting. Everyone gasped when it pulled up,” while Honey Gott, also 10, added: “I like the Transformers films, and it was great to get up close to it.”