CARHAMPTON farmers Eric and Lucy Parker welcomed 400 children from around a dozen local schools on Friday for a special 'Moos and Milk' event.

The aim of the day was to put the youngsters in touch with the countryside and help them learn more about where their food came from.

They were able to meet some of the resident cows at Eastbury Farm and discover how the grass they ate was turned into milk.

They also got to taste some milk-based products, including ice-cream, yoghurt and cheese.

Rob Walrond, the rural life advisor for the Diocese of Bath and Wells, said the day had been a huge success and he was hoping it would become an annual event in the West Somerset school calendar.

"Even though they live in a rural area, the vast majority of children have nothing to do with farming these days so it was great opportunity for them to visit a farm and enjoy a really unique learning experience," Mr Walrond said.

The pupils were given a tour of the milking parlour and met local clergy, the Rev Andrew Thomas from Dulverton and Dunster's Rev Caroline Ralph, who also led two short services at the farm.

"There was a lovely atmosphere throughout the entire day and it also enabled the church to make links with local children," Mr Walrond added.

Similar church-led farming events have become regular fixtures for schoolchildren in South Somerset and, more recently, in Taunton, and there are hopes West Somerset will follow suit.

Representatives from the environmental charity the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) were also on hand to show pupils how the farm looked after the environment, as well as producing high-quality milk.

Photos: Ellen Vickery, Dunster First School