ALMOST 1,000 people attended an event to learn more about farming.

The Melplash Agricultural Society's Discover Farming event took place at Vurlands Animal Farm in Swyre and organisers say it exceeded all expectations.

With the society's flagship event, the Melplash Show, cancelled this year a series of smaller events have been arranged throughout the summer instead.

The interactive learning experience aimed to educate young people where food comes from, and the importance of agriculture and the countryside. It was attended by close to 1,000 visitors throughout the day.

Children who attended were able to learn more about farming with a number of activities on offer including driving a radio-controlled tractor around the farm, taking a virtual dairy farm tour, building a small barn, juicing apples to make smoothies, making butter, milking a cow and more.

George Streatfeild, society director and Discover Farming project manager, said: “The day was an unmitigated success – our activities didn’t stop from doors opening until they shut again.

"We had almost 1,000 visitors all keen to get involved in understanding from where their food comes and how it is produced as well as learning about countryside careers opportunities. Our 50 volunteer helpers haven’t talked that much for a very long time.

"A huge thank you to them for given up so much time, our sponsors for their generosity and special thanks to the Ives family for allowing us to host the event at Vurlands Animal Farm.”