OKEHAMPTON Primary is one of seven Devon schools to get well-earned recognition for its outstanding work with school meals and food education from the national Food for Life Partnership.

The school has received the Food for Life Partnership bronze award for leading family learning cookery courses in its new community classroom.

Inspired by a 'Teaching Cooking Confidently' course, staff now deliver half termly courses for parents covering affordable family meals, seasonal salads and bread making.

Staff and pupils from the school enjoyed a day at West Town Farm, a working organic farm near Exeter and took part in various food related activities to celebrate winning their award.

The Food for Life Partnership has worked in Devon for three years, supporting schools with their food education, running teacher training courses and providing resources and local support.

Devon local programme officer Polly Frost said: 'It is wonderful to be here today, to celebrate with those schools and caterers who recognise the benefits of prioritising food education: improved self-esteem, wellbeing, the acquisition of life skills and plenty of fun which in turn improves pupil progress.'