A WILDLIFE photographer-turned TV star is returning to his roots to give a fundraising talk.

David Bailey, who appears on Springwatch and Rhys Jones Wildlife Patrol on the BBC, grew up in Frogham, but moved to Wales eight years ago.

However he’s never lost his love for the area and on Friday he will be appearing at the Avonway Community Centre in Fordingbridge to talk about his award-winning wildlife photography.

His interest in animals and birds is due mainly to childhood days spent in the New Forest with his grandfather, the well-known forester Len Witt.

Mr Bailey is self-taught, but was so successful that he turned professional in 2007.

He won the Welsh Wildlife Photographic Award in 2011, followed by several other awards.

He now travels throughout Wales and the UK working with wildlife groups such as the Red Squirrel Trust and the Pine Marten Project.

This year he broke into television, featuring on the BBC’s Rhys Jones Wildlife Patrol 2013 series, on Springwatch with Nick Baker and Springwatch Extra.

He is now wildlife consultant to the Rhys Jones Wildlife Patrol 2014 series and also appears on the programme.

Bill Bray, his old headteacher, is planning to attend. Mr Bray said: “I’m delighted that David has been so successful and I’m looking forward to hearing him talk.”

Tickets are £6 in advance from the Avonway office on 01425 652 706 or from Maureen Burt on 01425 654 288 or £7 on the door.