As the first of the Pembrokeshire new potato crop hits the shelves of Tesco this week, a day of activities is planned at the supermarket's Haverfordwest branch tomorrow (Thursday) to mark the launch.

Members of the Welsh Culinary Association will demonstrate some of the best ways to cook the Pembrokeshire earlies, watched by children from Fenton Community Primary School.

The children will be watching and listening to the Welsh Culinary Association while they show them ideas of how to use new potatoes in different meals. The dishes will also be available for Tesco customers to sample.

Jo Parish, Tesco account director at Branston Ltd, which supplies potatoes to Tesco, said the children will also meet local growers. She said: "We have a great day planned for the local children where they can meet the growers, have a look behind the scenes in store and try the first Pembrokeshire new potatoes.

"We've also set them the challenge of drawing a picture or writing a poem about their favourite potato dish and we will judge the entries on the day."

Branston Ltd is the leading supplier of potatoes to Tesco, supplying over 250,000 tonnes a year. Among their suppliers is David Dixon, of Williamston Farm, Houghton, who has been growing for Tesco for three years.

During that period he has increased his acreage from 45 to 100 acres.

Mr Dixon is growing 45 acres of Lady Christl and 48 acres of Maris Peer. As part of the Tesco trials programme, he is also growing six acres of a new variety.

Last year he invested £90,000 in a new cold store with a capacity for 500 tonnes of potatoes.

Branston and Tesco say they recognise the commitment and loyalty of their growers in helping to deliver an excellent product for local people.