CHILDREN on their school holidays will get the chance to see real Easter chicks next week when a springtime food and farming roadshow rolls into the region.

The National Farmers' Union event will be in Northallerton High Street on Wednesday.

The event aims to help youngsters find out more about food and farming, offering them a chance to try their hand at milking Annabelle, the working model cow, and grading eggs.

For younger children, there will be a mini tractor to sit in and cuddly toy chicks, pigs, sheep and cows to take away.

There will be plenty of information for parents.

The event will be hosted by self-appointed roadshow poet Johnny Ball.

A farmer himself, Ball spends all summer touring the country on a mission to make learning fun.

But he says there is a serious message behind it.

"It is really important that children and their parents have the chance to find out more about their food and where it comes from," he said.

"British produce, often sold under the little red tractor logo, is among the best in the world and there are good reasons for that.

"This roadshow gives us the chance to talk about healthy food and how it is produced right on people's doorsteps - but of course in a fun and enjoyable way."

The roadshow, which is sponsored this year by Tesco, will be in Northallerton throughout Wednesday.

It will be based outside the town hall.