YOUNGSTERS from Danesfield Middle School were happy as pigs in muck when they spent a day down on the farm.

A dozen year eight pupils took part in a 'gifted and talented' day at the West Somerset Community College's farm unit this week.

And in addition to some team-building challenges run by the college's outdoor education team, the youngsters also took part in a carbon safari.

Working with the unit's cattle, they were able to see, first hand, how to apply their understanding of the carbon cycle to the reality of a farm environment.

The special day also included a chance to spend some time on the main college campus, learning about the habitats of exotic animals.

Subject leader for land based studies Charlie Olive, who led the day with members of his team, said it had been great to see such positive engagement and learning from the Danesfield students.

"The college farm gives students the ability to work outside of the classroom, apply their knowledge to real life situations and develop a greater understanding of the world around them," he said.

Photo: Steve Guscott.