Headlines and Hedgerows

He began by reading the front page of the evening newspaper in the kitchen to his mother and aunt. Since then he's spoken into microphones to the nation on the BBC almost every week for more than half a century and is one of the most-beloved broadcasters of our time.

Presenter of treasured programmes Newsround, Countryfile and Swap Shop, John brought us the headlines and breaking news of our childhood and later helped us discover the magic and wonder of the British countryside.

Now, in his first ever autobiography, he recounts a life in news, his childhood, the great impact that the absence of his father - held prisoner for three and a half years while fighting for his country - had on him. He writes too about the people, the major events - and, of course, the animals - that have shaped his life.

This is John Craven. And this is the story behind the man so many of us grew up watching on our television screens.

“From his Yorkshire childhood to his television career from Newsround to Countryfile, the presenter tells his story-- Radio Times In this heart-warming and entertaining memoir Craven, now regarded as somewhat of a national treasure, recounts the high and low points of his career and the people, family and animals that have shaped his life-- Surrey Life Five hundred and eighty two minutes worth of pure heaven await in this down-to-earth first memoir of journalist, broadcaster and national treasure John Craven-- Sunday Post (on the audiobook)”

Amusing and insightful. Thoroughly enjoyable Sorted Magazine The much-loved Newsround and Countryfile presenter in his own words for the first time Eastern Daily Press Five hundred and eighty two minutes worth of pure heaven await in this down-to-earth first memoir of journalist, broadcaster and national treasure John Craven Sunday Post (on the audiobook) In this heart-warming and entertaining memoir Craven, now regarded as somewhat of a national treasure, recounts the high and low points of his career and the people, family and animals that have shaped his life Surrey Life From his Yorkshire childhood to his television career from Newsround to Countryfile, the presenter tells his story Radio Times Magical memoirs. A BBC legend. A broadcasting icon. The best bits from cub reporter to Countryfile . . . his early career sounds like a riot Daily Mail

John Craven was born in Leeds and started his journalistic career as a junior reporter on the Harrogate Advertiser.

In 1972 he launched the world's first television news bulletin for children, John Craven's Newsround. In 1989, after 3,000 episodes, John left to present the steadfast television institution that is Countryfile and has brought the glorious British countryside to our television screens ever since.

In the Millennium Honours, John was awarded an OBE for services to rural and children's broadcasting and the Royal Television Society has inducted him into its Hall of Fame. He is vice-president of the Waterways Trust, patron of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society and the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad.