A burgeoning event aimed at teaching children about where their food comes from is set to expand with increased demand for places from local primary schools.

The Farm & Country Day has been staged annually at the Royal Cornwall Showground at Wadebridge since 2013. The event is jointly organised by the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association (RCAA) and Cornwall Food & Farming Group.

The event was devised to address an ever widening knowledge gap and lack of awareness among children of the links between farming and food production. Surprisingly, this is just as prevalent in rural counties such as Cornwall.

Over the past two years more than 1,400 primary school children, between seven and nine years of age, have enjoyed a hand’s on learning experience at the event. In its third year, demand for places outstripped supply. Leading to the organisers decision to run the event over two days this year, allowing a further 1,500 pupils from across the county to take part.

RCAA Media & Education Manager, Steve Michell, was overwhelmed by the interest in the event from local schools.

"This year's event was almost full with schools we were unable to accommodate in 2014. The response to an invitation to schools to fill the final places led to more than 2,500 pupils being booked in within 24 hours.

"It was clear there was need to run a second day. We are already full for two days in 2016 and approaching half full for 2017."

The discovery day will see the children learning about all aspects of the industry. More than 50 exhibits will be on offer. Including getting up close to cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and poultry, and learning about the steps involved in growing and harvesting cereal crops and vegetables.

There will also be chance for the pupils to see how local producers turn locally grown and reared produce into food and drink products they will be familiar with. Cornish Yarg cheese, products from Trewithen Dairy and Baker Tom's artisan bread are all set to feature on the menu.

"Farm & Country is only possible with the willingness of more than 300 farmers, growers, food producers and volunteers related to the industry to give up their time, free of charge to impart their knowledge to the children," added Mr Michell.

For more information about the event, which takes place on Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 March, please contact Steve Michell on 01208 817010 or email: stevemichell@royalcornwall.co.uk.