YOUNGSTERS from an Oxford estate enjoyed a day in the countryside on a school trip.

The 30 pupils from Rose Hill Primary School visited a farm near Moreton-in-Marsh to learn about life on a farm, as part of a programme organised by the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens.

Their teacher Nicola Matthews said: “Our children come from a variety of backgrounds and few have often had the opportunity to explore the countryside in this way.

“We were delighted to be able to take part in this programme to help our pupils to learn about farming.

“The farm was very welcoming and they gave everyone half a dozen eggs to take home.”

The children saw cows, chickens and pigs and were fascinated by a demonstration on sheep shearing.

They went on to visit the Rollright Stones stone circle near Chipping Norton.

Mily Allsworth, 10, said: “It was really fun. I enjoyed the bit where we stroked the pigs and when we saw the big cows.”

The 300-acre Old Farm, at Dorn, in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is looked after by the warden group.

Warden and trust co-ordinator Gerry Simper said: “We are always looking for ways for all to appreciate and enjoy the Cotwolds.

“This project, encouraging children from an urban area to explore a working farm and many other aspects of the countryside on their doorstep, fitted the bill.”