A GIANT Olympian made a stylish arrival at Stansted Airport on Tuesday after touching down in a helicopter.

VIPs from across Essex gathered at Harrods Aviation and watched as the Sikorsky S92 helicopter landed and the Incredible Glass Bead Game contender Boreas Zephyr was greeted by Nick Barton, managing director of Stansted Airport, and county councillors.

It was all part of the Sparks Will Fly Olympic celebrations being run by Essex County Council.

Boreas then made his way to the arrivals terminal on his chariot to collect his fist Glass Bead of this year’s game.

Stansted employees presented him with a bead that contained a section of runway which represented his first stop at Stansted on his tour of Essex.

Children from Milwards Primary School, Harlow, and High House Nursery, Takeley, watched as Boreas’ entourage put on a special performance in the terminal.

As people were arriving into the UK from various flights that had landed at Stansted airport this afternoon, they were greeted by carnival dancers and the Giant Olympian himself.

Nick Barton, Stansted Airport’s managing director, said: “London Stansted along with Air Harrods are delighted to team up with Essex County Council and host the arrival of Boreas and kick off the celebrations for the spectacular Sparks Will Fly event.

“We’re looking forward to celebrating the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and we want share this wonderful experience with our passengers, staff and our local community.”

Both of the champions have now arrived in Essex, and the Incredible Glass Bead Game is underway. Following Marina’s early arrival, she has collected three glass beads and Boreas is trailing after collecting just one.

However, with several visits planned around the county in the coming days, Boreas won’t be behind for long!