A GROUP of teachers swapped classrooms for cow sheds in a bid to learn more about what agriculture has to offer pupils.

Around 25 teachers from across the region visited the award-winning Ribblesdale Jersey herd, Laneside Farm, Waddington, to hear farming experts talk about what the industry could offer pupils.

Organised by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers as part of its Year of Food and Farming - which aims to improve young people's understanding of farming - it showcased the industry ahead of September's shift towards vocational diplomas for pupils.

The Government is proposing a range of 17 diplomas in a bid to teach children the practical skills needed for employment.

One of these will be based around environmental issues.

Philip Hammond, a maths teacher at Ribblesdale High School, Clitheroe, said it had been a worthwhile trip.

He said: "It's been good because the introduction of functional skills and the link between local industry means we are looking at this area.There are lots of opportunities for young people to consider different careers and not just go down the college route."

Norma Shadlock, an English teacher at Alder Grange, Rawtenstall, added: "We have to teach functional skills so to do it in a contextual setting is more beneficial for them."

Teachers from Waddington and West Bradford Primary School were also at the event.

Christine James, of Blackburn-based Lancashire Education Business Partnership, which helped arrange the event with the RABDF and the Farming and Countryside Education added: "This has been about raising the profile of farming and bringing it to pupils' thoughts."

Ribblesdale Jerseys is owned by Ian and Sally Macalpine, holders of the RABDF NMR Gold Cup, the highest accolade in dairy farming.