LUCKY schoolchildren found out there is little truth in the old adage ‘there’s no such thing as a free lunch’.

Around 35 pupils from Bishopstone Primary School got to sample the finest local pork as part of an educational trip for British Sausage Week.

The children, aged between four and 11, made the short trip across the road from the schoolhouse to the Royal Oak pub, where they were given a lesson in healthy eating and cooking from Jane Sixsmith from the Focus on Food campaign after getting a free taste of organic sausages and fresh vegetables from the nearby Eastbrook farm.

In fact the trip was so successful Royal Oak landlord and managing director of Helen Browning’s Organic, Tim Finney, said he wanted to make the lunches a more regular event.

“These things are always fun and I was talking to the headteacher and we are going to try and do it once a month if we can,” he said.

“It’s great for the children. They always have lunchboxes and we are only 50 yards from the school so we can bring them in with no charge to them.

“It’s very important for all sorts of reasons – there are a lot of people who put a lot into the community in village life and we try to do our bit.”

Headteacher Susan Walton said the children had a lot of fun while learning the importance of healthy eating at the same time.

“The children had a great time and really enjoyed themselves. It was good to see them eat all their food and it was all fresh produce.

“I think the key message was about healthy eating and a balanced diet, locally grown produce and learning to cook for themselves. It was a very educational lunchtime.”

Lucy Alston, 10, said she learned a lot about food production.

“I really enjoyed the food and going to the Royal Oak. I’ve learned where sausages come from and how important it is to eat different things. I do quite a lot of cooking at home and at school already.”

Kenna Hickton, 10, added: “It was really fun and the sausages were really tasty. I think it’s better to have ones locally than from afar.”