A free event for schoolchildren across Kent to learn about food and farming will be held virtually this year.

The Living Land - which is usually part of the lead-up to the Kent County Show - is staged by the Kent County Agricultural Society.

After being cancelled last year due to the pandemic, it will go ahead virtually on Thursday, May 6.

The free event for schoolchildren in Years 3 and 4 usually invites schools to the Kent Event Centre at Detling near Maidstone to see educational displays.

This year pupils will be able to watch a collection of videos covering all aspects of farming and agriculture, including rearing livestock, tractors and machinery, and growing vegetables. There will also be a series of livestreams for children to ask questions of farmers and food producers.

James Forknall, chairman of the Kent County Agricultural Society, said: “We were really disappointed that we could not run the Living Land as normal in 2020 so we were determined to bring it back in some form. We decided to take the event online so we could continue to provide this valuable learning resource to as many school children as possible.”

“We already have some fantastic content lined up. Videos covering everything from lambing and egg hatching to harvest and tractors will be included. We are also organising activity packs for schools to request to provide a hands-on element to the Virtual Living Land.”

The event on Thursday, May 6 will also stay available for teachers, parents, and students to revisit throughout the year.

The Kent County Show, which is also organised by the society is due to take place from Friday, July 9 to Sunday, July 11, but tickets have not yet gone on sale.

Those interested in taking part can in Living Land can sign up at kentshowground.co.uk/living-land

For more events across Kent click here.