PUPILS from Ardrossan Academy have been praised by the foundation of HRH Prince Charles after they engaged with a community programme.

At the Dumfries House event in Cumnock, pupils demonstrated their learning from the Food for the Future programme, which champions sustainability and combats food waste by giving young people a greater understanding of how the food system works, how it impacts the environment and how to better champion sustainable practices.

With their presentations judged by a panel of experts from all sectors of the industry, including the Jamie Oliver Group and Asda supermarket, His Royal Highness then presented an award to pupils in recognition of their work.

Ardrossan Academy celebrated by winning the runners-up prize of home economic equipment provided by Asda, and a voucher for a local garden centre thanks to generous donations from Keenan’s Recycling, Davidson’s Animals Feeds and Baynes the Bakers.

Iona Murray, food, farming and horticulture coordinator for The Prince’s Foundation, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with pupils from Ardrossan Academy through the pilot of our Food for the Future programme.

“The education team here at The Prince’s Foundation have been so impressed with how well the pupils have engaged with the programme.

“And we are very much looking forward to seeing how they use the knowledge and skills they have gained to help reduce food waste in their homes, school and local community.”