PUMPKIN soup and bread made by the children of a North Yorkshire primary school warmed the hearts and stomachs of mums and dads at a Harvest Festival celebration.

Family members of the pupils at North and South Cowton Community Primary School were invited in to enjoy poems, prayers and songs performed by the 11 children on the school role.

They then served their parents, grandparents, siblings and other relatives with roast pumpkin soup and warm homemade bread they had made themselves.

Heather Minto, whose nine-year-old daughter, Frances, is in Year 4, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to come together to celebrate the school being at the centre of what is a very small community. And the bread and soup were absolutely delicious.”

Six-year-old Jude Burton helped with the cooking before performing a poem in front of his mum, dad, granny and younger brother.

“It was very emotional to have my family here but I really enjoyed it,” he said.

Mum, Ruth Brown, said how lovely it was to be invited into school for regular events with the children, and was looking forward to the Hallowe’en Disco and the Nativity.

Helen Robinson, Executive Headteacher for the Federation of North and South Cowton Community and Melsonby Methodist Primary Schools, said: “This is a great opportunity to bring families and the community together with the children, to share what they have been doing.

“Because we’re a small school we can do these things. It was really lovely to hear their voices and see their confidence in sharing the event with their families. They did so well.”