FORMER Jonathan Creek actress Caroline Quentin, president of the charity Campaign for National Parks, recently spent a day in Exmoor learning more about the Authority’s work to get more youngsters visiting.

Caroline and her family live locally and frequently visit the National Park. However, this was a special occasion to visit the Pinkery Centre for Outdoor Learning and Simonsbath where a community led initiative is considering future uses for a group of historic buildings.

Mrs Quentin said: “I had a wonderful day in Exmoor National Park, learning more about the ways the Authority are engaging with young people at the Pinkery Centre and the fascinating heritage project taking place in Simonsbath. The day was a fantastic introduction to being president of Campaign for National Parks.”

She joined as president of the Campaign for National Parks because of her admiration of these beautiful landscapes.

However, Caroline has also argued that National Parks should not be 'pickled in aspic', with her dearest wish being that 'school children would think of their nearest National Park as their own playground, classroom and garden.'

Exmoor National Park is firm family favourite and surveys have shown that over 80 per cent of visitors return to enjoy its unique blend of large areas of open moorland and woodland, spectacular coastline and pretty towns and villages.

Caroline Quentin was joined by Andrea Davis, chairman of Exmoor National Park Authority, Janette Ward, vice chair of Campaign for National Parks and Rachel Thomas, chairman of the Exmoor Society.