Pictures and video: Carol Vorderman's countdown to around world flight stops off at Shropshire RAF base

The former Countdown star visited RAF Shawbury yesterday as part of her role as honorary ambassador of the Air Cadet Organisation.

The visit came ahead of her ambitious attempt to fly about 25,000 miles around the world later this year.

The 55-year-old took on the role of ambassador in November 2014 and has been using her legendary mathematics skills and enthusiasm for engineering to inspire the latest generation of air cadets and young people.

Group Captain Vorderman was accompanied by two cadets – Cadet Warrant Officers James Eardley from Shrewsbury and Hope Millar from Newport – at yesterday's visit.

It saw them have a ride in a Griffin helicopter and have a go on simulators at the RAF's newly-renamed School of Air Operations Control, which Group Captain Vorderman was given the honour of unveiling.

She said: "I have had a fantastic day and I want to thank everyone who are here.

"It is my first time at Shawbury and I have been spoilt rotten.

"It is a bit of a surprise but also an honour to be asked to unveil the new name for the school.

"It is really interesting, the air traffic control. As a pilot I am used to being on the other side of things.

"The language is really different to what I am used to, but I think would quite enjoy it if I knew where all the buttons were before I started. I think

"I would like to spend a day in air traffic control."

Group Captain Vorderman has been busy preparing to follow in the footsteps of her heroine Mildred Bruce, the aviation pioneer, who did her 19,000 mile solo flight around the world in 1930.

"I have got all my licenses and exams. I am nervous.

"I have got very little experience of flying by myself and flying over water," she said.

Group Captain Vorderman gained her solo flying licence about three years ago and hopes her plans will encourage more girls to follow their ambitions.

She also revealed she is passionately in favour of encouraging more girls to study maths and science. She has long been associated with RAF linked charities, including the Royal Air Forces Association, the RAF Benevolent Fund and the Bomber Command Memorial committee, leading the Salute Area in Green Park when the Queen unveiled the memorial in June 2012.

Her two children were both members of the Combined Cadet Force at school, and her daughter Katie holds an Officer Cadet rank within the Cambridge University Air Squadron.

Squadron Leader Kim Leach, corporate engagement relations officer at RAF Shawbury, said: "The aim of the visit was to demonstrate the world-leading training delivered at RAF Shawbury and to promote the training and opportunities that young people can experience through the Air Cadet Organisation."