A Lancashire farmer has described his “amazing” experience at Number 10 Downing Street event organised by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s wife.

John Alpe, a livestock farmer based at Whitewell near Clitheroe, took part in the ‘Lessons at 10’ series event offering his first hand insights into how farmers produce high quality, climate-friendly, nutritious food.

The lesson introduced 40 Year 5 and 6 pupils, from a primary school in Somerset, to British food and farming through the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Education’s Farming STEMterprise project, and challenged them to invent their own finger foods using a range of British ingredients.

NFU Lancashire county chair and Farmers for Schools ambassador, Mr Alpe, said: “It was great to be involved with this fantastic event highlighting the importance of food and farming and also representing farming in the North. 

“I’m proud to be part of the NFU Education Farmers for Schools ambassador programme so we can help the younger generation understand where their food comes from.”

NFU education manager Josh Payne said: “This event provided an exceptional learning opportunity for these children to understand the importance of the vital world of British farming.

"It’s a brilliant programme, and it’s wonderful to see Mrs Murty recognising the value of teaching key STEM subjects through the lens of food and farming.

“It’s important to encourage young people and make agriculture relevant and interesting so they can become more involved in the countryside and rural areas as they grow older.

“It’s been great to run this session and hopefully it has not only excited the children about food and cooking, but also got them thinking about where ingredients come from and the quality work that goes into their production.

“This experience is also a chance to meet real-life farmers, which is a fantastic way to bridge the gap between the field and the plate.

“I’m sure this ‘Lessons at 10’ event will leave a lasting impact on these children, and we hope to inspire them to appreciate the importance of British produce.”

Akshata Murthy, wife of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who hosted the event, said: “It was wonderful to welcome pupils from Countess Gytha Primary School to Downing Street today for a special farming and food Lessons at 10 event.

“It’s so important for children to connect with where our food comes from and experience great British produce.

"Thank you to everyone for coming and highlighting why we should back British farming.”