Over 1,500 school children from Cornwall enjoyed two interactive days learning about farming and food at the annual Farm & Country Days held at the Royal Cornwall Showground in Wadebridge.

The pupils, aged between seven and nine, came from 40 schools spread across the length and breadth of Cornwall.

Over 300 farmers, growers, food producers and representatives from agricultural and food production related businesses created around 60 hands-on exhibits to bring to life the story food takes from farm to plate.

The children came face-to-face with dairy and beef cattle, sheep, pigs and goats.

They also discovered how vets care for farm animals, visited a milking parlour to learn about milk production, crimped pasties under the guidance of Warrens Bakery and enjoyed tasting Callestick ice-cream.

They also discovered what lurks in Cornish hedgerows and explored with Elsa and Rona Amis, who farm on the Lizard, and the important role animal dung plays.

Jane Wheeler, year four teacher from Kea Community Primary School, said: "The children were really buzzing with new knowledge and ideas when we got back to school. We would like every child in our school to benefit from this experience.”

Kate Cameron, year four teacher from Treverbyn School said: “We had such a wonderful time today. On the coach journey back to school, the children were either totally buzzing, chattering non-stop about their day or fast asleep.

"Both testament to the brilliantly organised, varied and extremely interesting experience provided.”

Theresa Mills, head teacher at South Petherwin Primary School, said: "So much work has gone in to the event but every single second of it was worthwhile. A really outstanding day.”

Jacky Cherry from the Cornwall Food & Farming Group said that whilst the event was great fun for all involved it also presents a gilt-edged opportunity to educate the next generation about how the industry works.

"The aim of the Farm & Country Days is to bridge the ever widening gap in the understanding of the care, attention and shear effort our farmers and food producers put into creating our food.

"Hopefully we’re helping to create better informed future customers and inspire more talent to become agriculturalists in the future."

RCAA Media & Education manager, Steven Michell said: “This event wouldn’t be possible without the army of volunteers who kindly give up their time and expertise.

"Generous sponsorship from the Dartington Cattle Breeders Trust, Consols Oils, Stephens Scown, Truro Primestock Show, Harpers Feeds, NatWest, Cornwall Council, Mole Valley Farmers and the Cornish Winter Fair helped support schools with transport costs enabling them to access the event.”