PUPILS from a deprived area of the region found out where their food comes from when they visited a working farm.

The six and seven-year-olds got to see, pet and feed farm animals as well as explore a medieval village, visit a Bronze Age burial ground and see Roman remains at Ulnaby Hall, Heighington.

The pupils, from High Clarence Primary School, Port Clarence, Billingham, also saw the belted Galloway cattle, which are reared on the farm and their meat sold in the farm shop.

The farm has a Higher Level Stewardship agreement with Natural England, in which farmer Ian Dods has agreed to preserve the farm's historical and environmental features and encourage schools and other groups to visit.

The children's visit was sponsored by Strutt and Parker, which helped set up the stewardship agreement.

David Thompson, of the Country Trust, who helped arrange the visit, said: "It was absolutely brilliant. The children really enjoyed it."

Headteacher Jean Orridge said: "Such visits provide a unique support for the curriculum, as well as being an enjoyable day out for both children and staff. We are extremely grateful to the Country Trust for providing such opportunities."