John Craven's Countryfile Handbook

John Craven was born in Leeds and started his journalistic career as a junior reporter on the Harrogate Advertiser. After spells with the Yorkshire Post as well as national press, he joined the BBC in Newcastle working on regional radio and television programmes before launching from London in 1972 the world's first television news bulletin for children, John Craven's Newsround. Millions of adults watched as well and he became one of the best-known faces on British television. After more than 3,000 editions, John left in 1989 to present the hugely successful Countryfile where he has remained ever since, championing the countryside and investigating rural issues. He also writes a regular column for BBC Countryfile magazine.

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.