Ben Fogle treks for South Downs National Park celebration

Ford's favourite adventurer Ben Fogle returned home for a downland trek to celebrate the South Downs becoming a National Park.

The dare-devil presenter, who is president of the Campaign for National Parks, was joined by 200 people keen to lap up his tales from exploring some of the world's most challenging environments.

As part of BBC2's Extreme Dreams series, the 35-year-old has raced across the Sahara, crossed the arctic tundra and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to name just a few of his exploits.

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Commenting on his slightly more civilised walk in Sussex, he said: "Congratulations to everyone who campaigned so hard and for so long for the South Downs to be designated a national park.

"I grew up not far from here and I have many special memories of this area. It is wonderful that it will at long last get the protection it deserves. "

John Songhurst, chairman of the South Downs Society, added: "We are delighted that Ben has joined us for this very special celebration. The South Downs Society has been working for the protection of the downs since 1923, and it is tremendous that the area is now to be protected as a national park."

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