A FARM near Hereford is proving a hit with visiting schoolchildren.

The Co-operative Farm at Tillington, near Hereford, has already welcomed more than 1,500 youngsters since January.

Schools visit as part of the Co-operative’s “From Farm to Fork” initiative, designed to bring food and farming to life for primary school pupils.

Tillington is one of seven farms, all owned or operated by the Co-operative Farms, to host regular school visits.

The children experience for themselves where food comes from, and how to create healthy meals to take home to their families.

Ruth Barnett, From Farm to Fork co-ordinator at Tillington, said: “The start of the new school year is an exciting but challenging time. It has taken a lot of hard work but we are delighted at how successful From Farm to Fork has become.

“It is a valuable resource for local schools, and to see so many children visiting our farm, and having fun while they are learning, is a great endorsement of what we have achieved so far.”

A survey of teachers showed 93 per cent thought the visits were “excellent”, the remaining seven per cent said they were “good”, while 94 per cent said the visits “stimulated, inspired and motivated” children and 92 per cent said the experience “improved young people’s attitudes to learning”.

Schools interested in visiting the farm should contact Ruth Barnett on 07889 728916.