Schoolchildren in north Cornwall will be given the chance to tuck into a dish of squirrel on Friday.

Chef Gareth Eddy from Da Boes restaurant in Wadebridge will be giving the pupils a taste of the wilder and more unusual side of food preparation.

The Kids Cook School is part of the Boscastle Festival of Food Art and Crafts, which starts on Thursday.

"Squirrel is real food, it's readily available and it does taste good," said Mr Eddy.

"I can understand why some people might be a little squeamish, but when you think about it, there are an awful lot of grey squirrels around and many gardeners would be glad to be rid of them," said Mr Eddy, who will also be bringing along shark steaks, local venison and mussels.

He will joint and marinate the squirrel meat the night before and will get some of the youngsters to help with the final cooking.

One of the festival organisers, Boscastle Chamber of Trade and Commerce treasurer, Chris Searle said he thinks the children will find the idea of tasting squirrel interesting.

"I'm sure some will be a little uncertain but I think the braver ones will give it a try, well once anyway."

The meat is said to taste like a cross between pork and rabbit.

The Food Festival at the Boscastle harbour site finishes on Sunday.

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