CLIMBING trees is a childhood treat for many.

But at Abbey Woods Academy in Berinsfield pupils have instead been planting them thanks to a donation.

Channel 4’s cookery show River Cottage, led by celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, gave the school four fruit trees.

Tina Talbott, who runs the gardening club, applied for the trees from the show’s Fruitshare project, which aims to encourage children to eat more fruit.

Ms Talbott said: “It was really, really nice for the children – they really enjoyed it.

“I’m trying to teach them where food comes from, rather than just bags in the supermarket. They can see now that you have to put effort in to get good food, and there’s a sense of ownership.”

But she said: “I’m not sure the children realise it’s going to take a few years before they can eat the fruit. They may be a bit disappointed.”

Jaimie-Leigh Orme, six, said: “I’m amazed the trees are going to grow – they’re so small now.”