FAMILIES from across the United Kingdom met at Holmsley campsite for a boot camp weekend alongside wildlife expert Chris Packham - with the event run by children and New Forest Park rangers.

Following a national competition by Camping in the Forest - where eight-year-olds had to explain why they would make a good park ranger - five winners were chosen to attend the weekend of camping, activities and fun.

Chris Packham hosted a series of interactive wildlife activities. He said: "Aged eight, I was massively into looking for newts, frogs, toads and tadpoles and also mad about drawing their life cycles and maps of where they lived.

"I just loved being outside all the time, looking for and collecting stuff and I think we’d all enjoy having a bit more of this free-spirited approach to life – adults and kids alike."

Bob Hill from Camping in the Forest, said: “The idea of the Inner Child Boot Camp came about following a survey we recently commissioned, which revealed that 35% of UK adults would like to return to the care-free days of being eight-years-old.

"The survey also highlighted how 19% missed camping holidays the most when recalling favourite memories from their childhood."

For more information about the competition weekend visit www.campingintheforest.co.uk.