IT'S EASY to take the good things of life for granted, especially when it comes in a carton or as a daily delivery on the doorstep.

So when a cow and her calf arrived at Hutton Rudby primary school, the pupils were able to make the connection between the milk they drink and the animals that provide it - after watching a demonstration that left them in no doubt where it comes from.

Farmer's wife, Mrs Susie Dugdale, who is also a school governor, organised the practical lesson in milk production as part of National School Milk Day. The animals came from Crathorne Farms, Crathorne, where her husband is manager.

She also took along other examples of dairy products to show the children how important milk is, and spoke to them about the industry. Co-op Dairies provided free milk for every pupil, and they were also able to feed the calf - from a bottle.

Mrs Amanda Beanland, head teacher, said: "We are doing this in support of the industry and the fact that milk matters. The idea is to enjoy it and see what we get out of milk."