A GROUP of cubs and scouts were invited to a farm to help ease fears about cows.

Members of the Beaminster Cub Scout Group enjoyed a visit to Hollis Mead organic dairy farm in Corscombe where they learnt more about the animals and built up confidence .

The first challenge required every scout aged between eight and 14 to put their arms behind their backs and kiss one of the farm's calves - every scout was then awarded the ‘Hollis Mead Badge of Bravery' - a milk bottle lid on a pin,

The group then participated in a 'farming assault course' - a relay race with milk yokes, before going cow pat hunting - to explain how the cow pats are beneficial to soil health.

To the children's surprise the Hollis Mead team had hidden exploding bangers in some of the pats so that when lit they erupted in a 'mushroom cloud of organic cow dung'. This resulted in some squeals of excitement and laughter.

Ian Andrews, farm manager at Hollis Mead, said: “We’re desperate to teach the young about farming in fun and inventive ways.

"It’s important that the next generation know where their food comes from, and more importantly just how good their food can be if you farm with nature rather than against it."

He added: "We plan to hold many more visits like this one, we invite any school or group to come and see the farm, the parlour and our wonderful cows."