TAVISTOCK College and Tamar Grow Local are working together to produce local food and drink with a difference this autumn.

The orchard at the college, stocked with old Tamar Valley varieties of apples, was planted five years ago by Year 7 students, parents and governors.

It was done during a day devoted to learning about the valley and a time capsule was buried. This year the trees produced the first crop of apples which were picked by Year 11 students on the land-based studies course. The apples will be made into juice and returned for the college students to drink, an initiative supported by the students and staff.

Simon Platten, project manager for Tamar Grow Local, said: 'This year's apple crops have been fantastic in the Tamar Valley  and it is brilliant that staff and students will be able to celebrate their first harvest by raising a glass of their own juice.' 

Recently Tamar Grow Local became a partner in the new wide-ranging co-operative trust which includes the college and local primary schools.

College principal Helen Salmon said: 'We are delighted to be working with Tamar Grow Local and I feel the scope for projects about food and horticulture is huge.

'They will also be able to work closely with primary schools in the trust.'