PEMBROKESHIRE FUW LAUNCHES SCHOOLS COMPETITION

Primary school pupils in Pembrokeshire are being invited by the county's Farmers' Union of Wales branch to enter a competition in a bid to improve their knowledge of life down on the farm.

"There is widespread concern about the way children, young people, and their families, have become disassociated from where their food comes from and do not know what is required for a healthy diet and lifestyle," said county chairman David Miles, of Barnsley Farm, Crowhill, Haverfordwest.

"They are also unaware of the many opportunities in the countryside for leisure and social activities, and for employment. We hope our competition will go some way towards addressing these concerns."

The competition - sponsored by Carmarthen & Pumsaint Farmers' Ltd, J E Lawrence & Son Ltd and the FUW 200+ Club - has three age categories.

Category 1 asks children up to 7 years of age to hand draw a picture of a farm scene. Paints, pencils, crayons or felt tips can be used and the size must not exceed a standard sized sheet of A4 paper.

Category 2 wants 7 to 11 year-olds to make a model of a farm animal. Any materials can be used but the size must not exceed 30cm by 30cm by 30cm.

Category 3 urges all pupils up to 11 years of age to write a poem in English or Welsh entitled "The Farm". It must not exceed 20 lines in length.

The winner of each category will receive a £10 gift voucher for themselves, a cheque for £30 together with £40 worth of Carmarthen & Pumsaint Farmers' Ltd vouchers for their school garden, and free admittance to the Pembrokeshire County Show to receive their prizes on a day to be confirmed.

The winning entries and a selection of other entries will be placed on display at the FUW marquee at the Show.

The closing date for entries is Friday July 23. The child's name, class number and school name must be included on all entries and out of term contact details must also be provided for the school to enable the winner to be notified.

All entries should be posted or delivered to the FUW County Office, 3 North Street, Haverfordwest, SA61 2JE, marked "Schools Competition".

For further enquiries contact the county office on 01437 762913.