MEN Behaving Badly star Caroline Quentin is the latest celebrity to get behind a community-led fundraising appeal to replace a popular footbridge in Exmoor National Park that forms part of a century-old walking route.

Caroline, who lives locally to Exmoor and is president of the Campaign for National Parks, joins TV presenter Julia Bradbury in supporting the appeal led by Exmoor National Park Authority and the Lyn Community Development Trust (LCDT).

The bridge once formed part of a favourite circular walk on the outskirts of Lynmouth.

It connects to the Middleham Memorial Gardens, created in memory of victims of the 1952 flood which destroyed much of Lynmouth, and featured in Julia Bradbury’s TV series Britain’s Best Walks.

In her campaign video, Caroline asks those who share her love for Exmoor to get behind the appeal by spreading the word to friends and family and on social media, and urging them to donate to Caremoor for Exmoor.

She said: “Together we can build a new heritage bridge fit for the 21st century that will allow people of varying abilities to experience this enchanting ancient woodland and its unique heritage.

“For me, deepening people’s enjoyment and understanding of our wonderful countryside is a big part of what national parks are all about, which is why I’m delighted to get behind the cause.”

Sarah Bryan, chief executive of the park authority, said Exmoor was gearing up to welcome more than two million visitors this season.

But, she said: “In Lynmouth we feel there’s still one important thing missing, which is why we’re so grateful to Caroline for helping raise the profile of this important cause.

“This crossing has endured for more than a century. And with everyone’s help we hope to be able to replace it with a new heritage bridge built in solid Exmoor oak timber, putting this much-loved route back on the map for another generation.”

People can donate to Caremoor for Exmoor via the Exmoor National Park website or by sending a cheque to ‘CareMoor (Exmoor National Park)’ to Exmoor House, Dulverton TA22 9HL