A WINCHESTER college has teamed up with Hampshire Fare for a new partnership.

Sparsholt College will work closely with the organisation to give students opportunities to work within the local farming community.

The college has an extensive range of full and part-time courses in fishery, agriculture, game and wildlife management.

Principal Tim Jackson said: “Sparsholt College and Hampshire Fare share many mutual values and we are very excited to be forming this partnership which will enable the two organisations to work closely alongside each other.

“There will be huge benefits to our students, some of whom will already be gaining invaluable experience working with Hampshire Fare members and some who might one day have their own businesses and be Hampshire Fare members themselves.”

Hampshire Fare chairman Michael Wright added: “This is a really exciting partnership for all involved and will benefit many people including our local producers and the students at the college. It makes sense that a college so dedicated to securing the future of the countryside through education should be able to contribute to the local food and farming community via the support of Hampshire Fare and our members.”

The partnership will begin with 'Taste of Hampshire' - a joint event as part of Hampshire Food Festival.

It takes place at the college on Saturday, July 13, from 11am-5pm and showcases local produce through tastings and cooking demonstrations.