Pupils hope to roast the competition in spud growing contest

The annual potato challenge was launched locally by the Newbury and District Agricultural Society on Monday.
Taking part are pupils from Hampstead Norreys Primary, Thatcham Park Primary, Cold Ash St Mark’s Primary and Robert Sandilands Primary.
Growing kits, comprising two varieties of seed potato, growing bags, chitting trays, labels and information leaflets, were provided to each school by the Potato Council, ahead of the planting sessions held at Newbury Showground on Monday. During the planting day, pupils also enjoyed decorating potato cakes, a cookery demonstration and tucked into a lunch of freshly-made potato salad.
The society’s education officer, Jan Murray, said: “The children learn how to grow potatoes and how they fit into a healthy, balanced diet. The youngsters thoroughly enjoy the potato challenge and it is an effective way to teach them how the food they eat is produced.
“They enjoy tending the plants back in school and watching them grow, but nothing tops the excitement of the harvest day in June, when they can see the results of their careful nurturing.”