Lancashire farmer inspires thousands of schoolchildren with talks about life on the farm

A Lancashire farmer and NFU member has spoken of his passion for educating the next generation after giving talks to thousands of schoolchildren.

- Helen Hall

John Alpe volunteers as an NFU Farmers for Schools Ambassador, a role which has seen him speak to more than 2,000 schoolchildren about British food and farming over the last three years.

He had the privilege of taking part in the 'Lessons at 10' event where he spoke to primary school pupils at 10 Downing Street.

Mr Alpe is an organic farmer and runs a small dairy herd of 45 milking cows alongside young dairy stock, beef cattle and a flock of 1,000 breeding sheep at Whitewell near Clitheroe.

He said: "I really enjoy going into schools, talking about what I do, and the children are often very engaged and interested, asking all sorts of questions.

"I think it's really important that children understand where their food comes from, that it doesn't just come from the supermarket, and to have a bit of an understanding about what farmers do. They are the consumers of the future.