AN inquest will be held into the death of 79-year-old Exmoor wildlife presenter Johnny Kingdom, who died after an accident on his farm near South Molton last Thursday (September 6).

A Devon and Cornwall police spokesman said officers were called at 9pm to a field near Wadham Cross after reports that a digger had rolled over.

Emergency services attended and Mr Kingdom was found dead at the scene. Police inquiries are ongoing.

After a varied career as a farmer, gravedigger, quarryman, forestry-worker and self-confessed poacher, Johnny Kingdom became a wildlife film-maker and TV personality following an accident.

To aid his recovery, he bought a camera, taught himself to use it, and began filming on Exmoor.

A ten-part BBC series about his life, entitled ‘Johnny Kingdom: A Year on Exmoor’ was screened in 2006, followed by numerous books and TV series, including ‘Johnny Kingdom’s Wild Exmoor’, made in 2015.

Born on Exmoor, he owned 55 acres of land which was a haven for local wildlife.

His agent, Hilary Knight, said: “We have lost one of the last true characters of rural Britain.

“Born and bred an Exmoor man, he lit up our screens with his enthusiasm and passion. He was a very proficient photographer and cameraman and his work became very sought-after.

“The various country shows, and in particular South Molton market, will be a sadder place without his cheery presence. He will be sadly missed.”