The Bath & West Showground was once again a hub of fun and learning as 1,200 key stage two schoolchildren visited on Wednesday April 18 for the third annual Field to Food Learning Day.

Pupils from primary schools across the West Country enjoyed a hands-on insight of farming and food production. They met farmers and their livestock, getting up close to farm machinery, trying their hand at butter making with Wyke Farms, putting sheep through an MOT with Shepton Vets, milking the Hurdlebrook Guernseys, along with a host of other interactive exhibits.

Field to Food was created to educate young people about farming and food production in engaging ways, and was devised in collaboration with educational specialists to ensure that it satisfies aspects of the National Curriculum.

The activities on offer were designed to illustrate how the food and drink that they consume arrives on their table. All the activities were specifically aimed at children aged 7 -11, offering a variety of hands, eyes, ears and noses-on learning.

Mole Valley Farmers brought a range of agri-technology appliances for the children to check out, from cattle handling systems to EID devices.

Mark Cox of Mole Valley Farmers said: "We have a responsibility to make sure that the next generation has an understanding and appreciation of farming and food production, and this event provides the perfect vehicle to do just that."

The year 5 & 6 children from Farrington Gurney C of E Primary were buzzing following their day at the Bath & West.

One pupil said: "It was such a fun experience! We loved that we could get our hands on the activities." Another said: "The steward that guided us around was so helpful" and another: "Our favourite things were the sheep shearing, lambs, and the huge machines!"