A driving instructor has shared her excitement (and disappointment) as she spotted what was believed to be Tom Cruise landing in Basildon this week.

Top Gun School of Motoring driving instructor Louise DuCarey was already in a great mood on Tuesday after her pupil Scott (pictured) passed his test in Basildon.

The were leaving the centre and passing the roundabout at Burnt Mills Industrial Estate when Louise spotted a helicopter landing at the estate.

Videos later shared on Facebook appeared to show Mission Impossible star Tom Cruise coming out of the helicopter at the industrial estate, and waving at fans and onlookers.

Delighted fans claimed the star was at a filming business in the town for the latest Mission Impossible film.

Louise, who loves helicopters, was excited to see it and pointed it out to her pupil. 

However, after she couldn't get her pupil's attention, who was telling his mother the good news about passing his driving test, she decided to continue driving home.

She says she was "gutted" after learning it was likely Mr Cruise who landed, as the 'Top Gun' instructor would have gone back had she known.

She added: "So gutted because if I had known it was Tom Cruise, I definitely would have gone around the roundabout again as my driving school is Top Gun!"