YOUNGSTERS from a Thirsk primary school swapped the classroom for the Co-op to receive valuable lessons in food provenance and the value of community.

The reception children from Keeble Gateway Academy enjoyed a visit to Thirsk Co-op to boost their life lessons.

As part of their curriculum, Keeble Gateway Academy encourages their children to have an appreciation of the local community, as well as what they can do to support it.

During their visit, the Robins class learned where all the food comes from in the world and what it means for items to be Fairtrade.

The children then used their shopping lists to find and buy the ingredients needed to make some special treats in the afternoon.

JJ Young, Co-op store manager, said: "I am very proud to have had our first ever visit from Keeble Gateway Academy.

"This was a great opportunity for us to tell our little visitors what we do at Co-op, were food comes from around the world and Fairtrade. Here at Co-op we are committed to Fairtrade and changing lives through the products we sell in store.

"Our young visitors learnt by putting Fairtrade products in your shopping basket you are improving lives and communities around the world and how Co-op funds local causes through our membership to benefit the local community."