Who better to test the 1999 line-up of National Trust jams than sweet-toothed school children We enlisted the help of six jam-starved pupils from Lockerley Primary School, near Romsey.

Eight plates of toast and scones and a year's supply of wet-wipes later - here's what are connoisseurs of conserves had to say: Greengage conserve MMM, lovely, yum, very nice. The colour is a bit off-putting though. Strawberry conserve with elder-flower cordial Not as delicious as the greengage one. Still prefer my Mum's strawberry jam. Blackcurrant conserve Too many bits that get stuck in your teeth. Not as nice. Rhubarb and ginger Ow - this is too hot on my mouth! Serves you right for having double helpings! Not as good as ginger cake. Apricot conserve About 7 out of 10. Lovely. Damson conserve Very fruity. Okay but only worth a 5 out of 10. Seville Orange Marmalade Reject! No way. Too sour. Yuk. It looks like its got worms in it. Zero out of 10. Strawberry conserve 11 out of 10! Please sir, I want some more! Raspberry conserve You can't taste the seeds like in the blackcurrant one. Orange curd, lemon curd and lime curd Never tried curd before but the lemon one is lovely and fruity. The lime is gorgeous. Yuk, gross, the orange curd is disgusting! I feel sick!

And the overall winner is The boys Ben, Josh and Dustin were unanimous in voting for greengage with lemon curd coming a close second.

For the girls Eleanor, Sabrina and Naomi, it was sticky thumbs-up for last year's local favourite - strawberry conserve with elderflower cordial.

See for yourself You can try these jams and more at a free jam-tasting week-end at Mottisfont Abbey, near Romsey, on Saturday and Sunday May 29 and 30 from noon to 5pm. The event has been organised to find the most popular National Trust conserve in 1999. Visitors to the historic abbey are invited to indulge in homemade scones spread with their choice from the Trust's range of jams, marmalades and curds. The more unusual flavours will include cherry and kirsch conserve and apricot with Armagnac conserve. The tasting sessions are free, although garden admissions apply.

During the weekend, all conserves, marmalades and curds will be on sale at the special price of £4.95 for three 120z jars (usually £1.99 each). For details, telephone Mottisfont Abbey on 01794 340757.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.