Inner-city Hackney kids got a glimpse into rural life last Thursday at a show which brought the countryside to the heart of East London.

Nearly nine hundred pupils from nine schools in the borough discovered what the countryside is all about at the Countryside Live event, with hands-on activities and demonstrations on willow weaving, wood turning and butter making, sheepdog shows, birds of prey displays, dancing sheep, a falconry show and a heavy horse display.

The inner-city youngsters also learnt about the countryside’s long tradition of trades and crafts by watching a wood turner and blacksmith at work at the fair in Leyton Marsh in the Lee Valley Regional Park (LVRP).

Shaun Dawson, chief executive of the LVRP Authority, said: “It’s an incredible opportunity for them to do things they normally wouldn’t, understand how life in the countryside really works and simply to get close enough to touch animals such as sheep and goats.

“An event like this where the countryside literally comes to town is one not to be missed.”