PARENTS had the chance to taste what their children have to eat for their school meals at an event celebrating local food produce.

The Prince of Wales School in Dorchester hosted the event to celebrate British Food Fortnight, which runs from September 21 until October 6.

The school’s meal producer Local Food Links and other Dorset school meal suppliers - including Elwell Fruit Farm, Colin Clarke butchers, Hunts and the Watercress Company - celebrated at an event held at the school on Friday, October 4.

The event was an opportunity for pupils, parents and carers and the wider community to meet suppliers and taste their produce and learn about food provenance.

Caroline Morgan, Chief Executive of Local Food Links said: “Local Food Links prides itself on producing high quality school meals.

“We only source British meat and we buy from local suppliers wherever possible.

“We are very happy to celebrate British Food Fortnight with The Prince of Wales First School because we know first-hand that Britain is a great food producing nation and buying British supports our economy and keeps the countryside looking how we like it.

“It was great fun and I loved talking to the pupils about their favourite lunches.”

Headteacher Gary Spracklen said: “A huge thank you to everyone who supported our restaurant taster and special thanks to our catering partner Local Food Links.

“At The Prince of Wales School we want to offer our pupils interesting and stimulating learning experiences that benefit them in the classroom and beyond.

“Today’s celebration enables our school and the wider community to come together in appreciation not only of British Food but also the wonderful food producers that are here in Dorset.

“Eating well not only fuels learning but also helps to encourage positive lifestyle choices in our pupils.”

Parents, carers and many other people from the local community visited the event to try what the children had been eating at school.

Chris Loder, prospective Conservative Member of Parliament for West Dorset, also attended the event.

He said it was an absolute pleasure to visit the school and its restaurant and that teaching the young people where their food comes from was an “inspiration.”