The Alresford MP was asked to present the Alresford Salads 'Design a salad' competition winners with their trophies and book tokens, and was delighted to award Owen, Angus, Will, Jake and Charlie from Year 4 at Sun Hill with their prizes.
They won the competition after creating a 'Supreme Salad' which included watercress, spinach, green butterhead, Bulls Blood and Pea Shoots. They also designed the bag, and learnt how it is washed and packed ready for market.
Steve also handed out the main awards alongside Jack Stein (from Rick Stein's Winchester restaurant) who judged the food awards. There was entertainment from a number of bands, including Pete Harris Quartet and Sussex Jazz Kings, alongside Southampton Ukelele Jam and a performance from Sun Hill Juniors, while this year's cookery demos were carried out by Andy MacKenzie, Rosemary Moon, Jack Stein and the well-known Miff Kayum of Bangkok Brasserie, Bengal Sage and Kyoto Kitchen fame.
Speaking afterwards, Steve Brine said: "We always enjoy this event and traditionally it's one of the first I attend after the General Election so it's lovely to chat with constituents and get their thoughts on what's been a busy political period.
"I really enjoy the chance to celebrate what a positive part of the local area, and economy, watercress is for Alresford and it was really good to see the children from our local junior school learning about the local industry for which their town is famous.
"The kids love this festival as well, especially the candy floss which has been a bargaining tool in our house all weekend. Well done to all stall holders and all those who won awards this year."
Pictured; (top) Alresford Salads – Design a Salad winners with Steve and (middle) Steve with the Watercress Tea Shop winner
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