CHILDREN from Stockbridge Primary School went back to World War Two to Riverford’s Upper Norton Farm last week.

Year four, five and six pupils, along with their teachers, pulled on their wellies and got a taste for what life was really like ‘growing your own’ between 1939-45.

The Dig for Victory day saw children flexing their green fingers planting seedlings in the farm’s poly tunnels, and learning what would have been available during the war.

They also tried their hand at packing fruit and vegetables in the pack house, learning what rations actually looked like, and what limited foods would have been available at the time with a wartime ‘greengrocers’.

Tony Lee at Riverford on Upper Norton Farm, near Sutton Scotney, said: “This is a great opportunity for local children to turn Norton Farm into a living classroom for the day, helping them to understand how hard life was during and after the war food wise, and where their food comes from today.

“We are delighted to support the school’s curriculum and, who knows, we may even find a farm manager of the future!”

Riverford donated seedlings to the school on the day, and each child received a ‘goodie bag’ packed with fruit and vegetables, as well as recipe ideas for at home.

Stockbridge Primary School received a lottery grant last year, which has since been spent on poly tunnels to grow their own vegetables and teach children about planting and growing to coincide with their curriculum.