A LEADING light in the British countryside is coming to Fenland next week to launch the Fenland Tourism Board’s new drive to attract more visitors.

Adam Henson is a highly successful working farmer and a regular presenter of BBC television’s Countryfile programme.

He has agreed to speak at the official launch of the new tourism website and Visitor Guide at Fenland Hall next Wednesday (January 30).

He will then be taken on a short tour of the district, including a boat trip on the River Nene, before meeting members of the tourism board at the Skylark country store and garden centre.

Mr Henson and his business partner run Bemborough Farm in the Cotswolds. The 650-hectare estate includes the Cotswold Farm Park, an award-winning tourist attraction that now attracts nearly 90,000 visitors a year.

As well as presenting Countryfile, he has broadcast on a wide range of programmes for both radio and television.

Fenland District Councillor Mike Cornwell, the FTB’s chairman, said: “We’re delighted that Adam is going to be joining us next week and sharing his knowledge and expertise with many Fenland businesses and organisations that make their living from visitors.

“His experience at the Cotswold Farm Park is a fantastic example of how traditional rural enterprises can adapt and grow in ways that boost tourism. He’s also a great communicator who we hope will help us spread the message that Fenland has a huge amount to offer visitors from far and wide.”

• If you run a tourism business and have not yet received an invitation to next Wednesday’s launch, please call Vicki Whittingstall at FDC on 01354 654321 or e-mail vwhittingtall@fenland.gov.uk as soon as possible.