A dairy farmer and his favourite cow are on a mission to teach Britain’s children more about where their milk comes from.

Third generation farmer Jonny Burridge, 40, boasts a 230-strong herd at his Norfolk home – but has a soft spot for Jersey cow, Jelly, who he dubs his most curious cattle.

One of Arla’s 2,400 farmers in the UK, the dairy company has brought Jonny to Jelly to life in a new storybook for primary school children aimed at closing a yawning knowledge gap about how food is produced.

Based on their real-life adventures, the book takes children into the farmyard and explores how milk gets from farm to fridge.

“It’s easy to take what we do for granted but knowing that one in ten children have never been on a farm, so have no idea what goes on here or what we’re producing, was a bit of an eye-opener for me," said Burridge, a finalist in last year's British Farming Awards.

"I’m really pleased that Jelly and I are the characters who will introduce children to life on a dairy farm and all that goes on here while we make the milk for their cereal. 

"It’s even more special knowing the book is linked to making sure so many disadvantaged children are being given a good start to the day.”

Worcester News: Illustrated by Mylène Dosal, the children's book aims to close the knowledge gap for primary school children about where their food comes fromIllustrated by Mylène Dosal, the children's book aims to close the knowledge gap for primary school children about where their food comes from

Jonny and wife Carrie produce 2.3 million litres of milk every year and have long been committed to educating youngsters about the value of sustainable farming, welcoming 6,500 visitors to an open farm day last year.

Arla research reveals almost half of six to seven year-olds believe a glass of squash has more nutrition than a glass of milk, with one in five not sure where milk comes from. 

The new book, which can be downloaded for free from the Arla website, is being supported by TV presenter Helen Skelton, who grew up on a dairy farm in Cumbria.

The dairy producer will also donate 15,000 healthy breakfasts to Magic Breakfast, which provides a healthy start to the day for vulnerable children in the UK. This is on top of the 580,000 milk vouchers Arla has already donated as part of their ongoing partnership with the charity.

"If we don’t know where our food comes from and what’s in it, how can we be expected to understand what’s good for us and what’s not?” said Skelton, who hosted a live reading of the book on her Instagram channel.  

“My kids have really enjoyed reading about Jonny and Jelly and finding out more about the food we enjoy.”