THE MP for East Hampshire will probably admit that you need to have thick skin to get involved in politics.

But Damian Hinds was also keen to stress the importance of having thick, healthy bones to young children at Petersfield Infant School last week.

The MP made a flying visit to St Peter's Road last Thursday to help staff and pupils celebrate World Milk Day.

Mr Hinds swapped his parliamentary role for the title of milk monitor and spent an hour handing out the white stuff to reception year children.

"He sat down with children and drank his milk and was just getting down with the kids," said deputy headteacher Allyson Crew.

"He's pretty good at their level and he didn't go in for any speeches or stand on ceremony."

Mr Hinds was also given a tour of the school by the headteacher as they were keen to show off the building's latest improvements.

Free milk is usually restricted to the reception class on the day but all of the school's 325 pupils got their daily dose of calcium.

School children aged under five are entitled to free milk.