PUPILS from across the district spent a day down on the farm in South Petherton today to unearth the truth behind potatoes.

Some 500 children from South Petherton Junior School, Tatworth Primary and Greenfylde First School in Ilminster attended a ‘taste the tatties’ day at Frogmary Green Farm.

They were all given a chance to follow the life cycle of a spud from ground to plate, with local farmers showing them equipment from forks for digging the potatoes to the biggest tractor in Somerset.

The youngsters also had the opportunity to sample different varieties of potatoes and potato dishes.

Mark Pope, Somerset NFU chairman and event organiser, said: “It’s our chance to show the story of where people’s food comes from and how it is produced, and to help dispel some of the myths surrounding it.

“The farmers get as much out of it as the children and we hope to encourage others to run similar events on their own farms.”