Shropshire schoolchildren are set to benefit from free visits to working farms under a new initiative from Muller Dairy.

The yogurt-making giant, based at Market Drayton, is funding coaches for up to 50 classes to experience life on one of seven farms which supply the dairy with milk. Schools across Shropshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire are now being invited to apply for the visits, on a first-come-first-served basis.

The company has been working with Think Food and Farming, the legacy project of last year’s Year of Food and Farming initiative, and is keen for youngsters to see first hand how the milk for the products they eat and drink is produced.

Organisers hope the scheme will help youngsters better understand food’s journey from source to plate.

The move comes after recent studies, including one by the Co-operative, showed that children benefit from more out-of-classroom activity and can experience a positive change in their behaviour once back in the classroom.

Teaching packs have also been prepared to assist teachers in following up the experience as part of the National Curriculum.

Stewart Gilliland, Muller UK chief executive, said: “We realised that the biggest hurdle schools face with getting children out to farms is the coach fees. We have decided to trial this programme and ensure that there is no financial burden on schools. So the coach is on us.”

Schools wishing to take up the offer should contact The Staging House on (01403) 710329.