Headlines and Hedgerows: A Memoir

Discover the first memoir from national treasure John Craven, as he recounts both the highs and the lows of one of the longest entertaining careers in history, and the people, family and animals that have shaped it.

'Magical memoirs. A BBC legend. A broadcasting icon. The best bits from cub reporter to Countryfile . . . his early career sounds like a riot' Mail on Sunday

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 starting with the Grimthorpe Street Gazette, the handwritten newspaper he produced in his early teens - just one copy at a time, so small beginnings. Later, broadcasting on television to millions of children, his casual style of news-reading even found his jumpers making news. He writes about his childhood, his career and the people, events - and 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.

'A cracking read' Chris Evans, Virgin Radio Breakfast Show