Schoolchildren learned about raising sheep and milking cows as part of a city-wide programme to teach them about the countryside.

Children from Tiverton Primary and Mulberry Primary schools, in Tottenham, and St Michael’s Primary, in Wood Green, took part in Countryside Live, in Leyton Marsh, on September 25 and 26.

They were part of more than 3,000 students from across London who took part in the event to find out where food comes from.

Run in partnership with national charity Countryside Learning, children were also wowed by the sheepdog and falconry shows.

Many got close enough to touch farm animals including sheep and goats for the very first time.

Karen Wheeler, youth and schools service manager said: “It was great to see the children take such a keen interest in the activities and have a desire to learn all about country life.

“It’s extraordinary that for some children, this was the first time that they had the opportunity to get up close to farm animals.

“With a range of exhibitors in one place, including farmers, blacksmiths and wood turners, Countryside Live gave children the chance to witness traditional rural trades and participate in a range of educational yet fun activities.

“With a high percentage of children confused about where certain food comes from, the event enabled them to discover the origins of their meals and understand the connection between, for example, dairy cows and cheese and bacon and pigs.”