Malborough with South Huish Primary School pupils visited The Crab Shed last week to find out all about the food right on their doorstep.

Year 5 pupils visited The Crab Shed, Salcombe, on Wednesday, after they were invited by Anna and James Lemon, who run the business, to learn about the food that grows in the water around our shores.

Head of school, Jackie Heath, said: “A fabulous day of activities and wonderful experiences had been arranged linked to Seafood Week. The children met and worked with the chef from the Crab Shed who showed them how to dress a crab and talked about different types of crabmeat.

“This was followed by eating crab, for some children this was a first! Next, we toured the crab quay looking at how the crabs and fish are landed and what happens to them. The children visited the crab picking area.

“After lunch, it was time to get cooking. The children made and ate goujons, which they voted better than fish fingers! A local fisherman then arrived with live crabs and lobsters, which the children were able to pick up, (all claws had been made safe first!).

“Then they explored an amazing box of fresh fish and were introduced to fish they had never heard of before including an eel. This was followed by a box of wonderful locally produced vegetables, including vegetables that were new to the children.

“The day was rounded off with a tub of Salcombe dairy ice cream. What a fabulous way for the children to learn more about the wonderful food we have on our doorstep and to taste new food.

“We would like to offer a huge thank you to Anna and James Lemon, as well as Anna and Rob Johnstone, and their wonderful team who gave the children such a lovely experience.”

Kelly Williams from The Crab Shed said the day was a huge success with many of the children touching unprocessed seafood for the very first time.

Kelly said: “Many children only know fish and chips from their local chippy and they can be really surprised when they see a whole fish or crab for the first time.

“Days like today are so important for children to understand not only where their food comes from but the role seafood plays in a healthy and balanced diet.

“Opening up these businesses has been a fun experience for all of us and we hope we’ve started a lifelong love of seafood in these students.”

Heather Middleton, marketing manager at Seafish, the organiser of Seafood Week said: “Part of the Seafood Week campaign focuses on educating future generations about the benefits of fish and seafood.

“We’re delighted with how the school pupils have enjoyed the educational events being held for Seafood Week.

“By engaging with primary students, teaching them how to prepare seafood and getting them to try species they might be unfamiliar with our hope is that they will develop a lifelong passion for cooking and eating seafood.”