Six primary schools compete in annual Potato Harvest Challenge at Newbury Showground

Pupils from six primary schools have taken part in an annual Potato Harvesting Challenge at Newbury Showground.

Pupils rocked up with their heavy sacks, ready to hunt through the compost for the potatoes they planted in March, taking care not to miss even the smallest.

READ MORE: Pupils chip in at planting day at Newbury Showground in preparation for The Newbury and District Agricultural Society’s annual potato challenge

Only one gram separated the heaviest yields of rocket potatoes, with Mary Hare Primary School taking first place with their yield weighing in at 1,186 grams.

But before harvesting, the children each made potato salad, choosing from a mixture of ingredients.

And once their bowl was finished, they got to eat their colourful creations.

Certificates were awarded to every class which chipped in, with prizes given for the heaviest yields.

Enborne Primary, St John’s Infants, Mary Hare Primary, St Joseph’s Primary, Robert Sandilands Primary and Brookfields School each took part. Calcot Primary was unable to attend.

Pupils took their potatoes back to school to cook and said they are keen to return next year.