A ROYAL Navy helicopter has made a precautionary landing after fluctuations in a temperature gauge.

The Ministry of Defence said the Sea King helicopter, which was carrying four crew members, made a controlled landing in a field near Ardrossan, Ayrshire, at about 11.25 am yesterday.

A spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that a Royal Navy Sea King Mark 5 helicopter from HMS Gannet made a precautionary landing just north of Ardrossan in a field adjacent to the Ardrossan to Largs road at approximately 11.25am after a potential technical issue was identified by duty crew members.

"The landing was smooth and unhurried."

She said the aircraft was en route to training at the time.

The spokeswoman said: "At no time was there any danger to the aircraft, crew or the public.

"The issue relates to observations noted by the crew of fluctuations in a temperature gauge.

"The aircraft is now operational once more."