THOUSANDS of youngsters from across Yorkshire have been learning more about rural ways.

They descended on the Great Yorkshire Showground at Harrogate for the annual Countryside Days event, held by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

Now in its ninth successful year, the aim is to introduce primary school children to the realities of farming - from rearing animals to growing crops, and encouraging an interest and a respect for the countryside.

Chief executive Nigel Pulling said: "Countryside Days is hugely popular with schools, it's always over subscribed and this year was no exception.

"It provides a fantastic opportunity for youngsters, and teachers, to see for themselves what's involved in producing our food and working in the countryside.

"Because the workshops are very much hands on, it brings everything to life and means they are far more likely to remember their experiences and thus benefit from them."

Over the two days some 5,200 children from 100 schools attended.

For the first time, they could try their hands at felt and rope making, as well as planting seeds, hand-milling grain into flour and making gingerbread dough.