PUPILS at Hanwell Fields Community School in Banbury found some new playmates when three piglets, three lambs and three chickens took up temporary residence on the playing field.

It was all part of a new farming and education initiative by Moreton Show, one of the country’s biggest one-day agricultural shows. Sarah Taylor and Sally Harrison of Moreton Show, together with local farmer Sarah Righton, explained some farming methods before letting the children get up close to the pigs, lambs and chickens.

Mrs Taylor said: “The farm animals are always a big hit at the show and children love the chance to see them close up. It’s important that youngsters understand farming and the origins of their food and this is just the start of them learning so much more.”

The farm animals were welcomed into the school following a project called Field to Fork, in which pupils learned more about where their food comes from.

Harriett Wall, head teacher at Hanwell Fields Community School, added: “The visit gave the children a little experience of farm life. I would like to thank Moreton Show for bringing the Field to Fork project to life for our youngsters and helping to make learning exciting and real.”

This year’s Moreton Show at Moreton-Marsh, is on Saturday, September 3. More details and information on tickets are available at www.moretonshow.co.uk