Pupils at a Soham primary school met a rare breed heavy horse as part of their learning topic of food and farming.

The Key Stage 1 pupils at St Andrew’s Primary School enjoyed a visit from Paul Smith, in conjunction with Equine Assisted Learning.

Mr Smith, from Cottenham, took along one of his prize-winning Suffolk Punch horses, called Miles, to show children the type of horse that was used to work the land before the tractor took over.

He also showed pupils the tack that would have been worn by the horses when working.

After this, supervised by Sophie Keen of Equine Assisted Learning, the pupils had the chance to meet Miles.

The visit proved so popular that a number of other classes came out with their teachers during their break to meet Miles and ask questions.

Mr Smith said: “It’s important that the younger generation are taught about these things and it all helps to promote the Suffolk Breed as it’s on the endangered list.

“They were definitely excited to meet Miles and asked a number of questions.”

Emma Thomas, Key Stage 1 deputy head, said: “We have been talking to the children about how horses were used to work the land.

“It definitely proved a popular event and the children will be writing about it in class.”