TV farmer warns of 'obesity epidemic' in UK

Jimmy Doherty rose to fame in his 2004 documentary Jimmy's Farm

Celebrity farmer Jimmy Doherty has warned the nation is facing an "obesity epidemic" during an event for schoolchildren.

The presenter said he wanted to bridge "a massive divide" between consumers and producers as he met with pupils on Tuesday.

Thousands of children, from 72 primary schools across Essex, gathered at Anglia Ruskin University's campus in Writtle for the educational festival.

Doherty, a visiting professor at the university, said it was a "brilliant showcase" that would better people's understanding of the farming industry.

"It's absolutely vital that we have that interaction because we've got an obesity epidemic in this country," he told the BBC.

One of the zones at the event allowed children to choose a potato to take home.

The event was organised by the Essex Agricultural Society, which estimated 3,000 children were in attendance.

It featured the chance to get up close with livestock and watch tractors and combine harvesters in action.

"We have a massive divide between the consumers and producers," said Doherty, who became a household name after his Jimmy's Farm documentary aired in 2004.

"We need a better understanding of how our food is produced, what goes into it and also the importance of our farmers."

Attendees were able to pet farm animals including sheep, goats and alpacas.

Children were inspired to be curious about healthy eating and sustainability during the day, as well as being taught how to pursue an agricultural career.

Andrea Farrant, head teacher of Blackmore Primary School in Ingatestone, said she wanted pupils to see what was grown in Essex.

She said they enjoyed seeing how food "gets to our plates".