A TV naturalist returned to a Barrow island to film for an upcoming BBC show.

Chris Packham, alongside stepdaughter and zoologist Megan McCubbin, was taken on a tour of Piel Island on Friday by guide John Murphy, who regularly takes walkers to the beauty spot.

The presenter, best known for his work on Springwatch, approached Mr Murphy eager to visit the island as the pair had met during filming for another show 15 years ago.

“I first filmed with Chris 15 years ago on Walney for a BBC wildlife programme and I got on extremely well with him,” said Mr Murphy.

“And when they were planning this new series in the Lake District and Walney he contacted me and asked if I would take him over to Piel.

“Chris has had a long interest in Walney Island and Piel Island, he’s quite obsessed with the natural beauty we have here.”

The Mail: SPEAKING: Mr Murphy told the TV pair about the island

Mr Murphy walked the whole crew over to the island from Walney, who received a warm welcome from the new landlords of the island’s historic pub The Ship Inn, before embarking on the tour. “This has been a great, unique opportunity to promote our beautiful area on national television, which has the potential to be shown all over the world,” said Mr Murphy.

“Chris absolutely adored the walk and the island and the images we managed to see.

“He was particularly interested in seeing our Walney geraniums, it used to be the world’s rarest flower.

“It’s in full bloom at the moment, so after we’d done all the filming on Piel all about the history and wildlife Chris was very keen to film the geraniums, which we did after the walk.”

The Mail: TOUR: John Murphy and councillor Therese Assouad with Packham

Councillor Therese Assouad was invited to accompany Mr Murphy on the walk and said: “Chris and the film crew really enjoyed the experience, and I was fortunate to be invited along.

“As a council we want to promote Piel and this is an excellent opportunity.”