An internationally-renowned naturalist and television presenter took part in a weekend of wildlife excursions along the Essex coast helping to stoke local enthusiasm for the wonders of the natural world.

David Bellamy, the star of countless wildlife shows and the author of more than 45 books, led explorations around the wetlands of Brightlingsea on Saturday and Sunday accompanied by hundreds of avid fans.

Roger Tabor, the event’s organiser, who is also a well known television naturalist and author in his own right, said the weekend went “fantastically well”.

“David Bellamy thoroughly enjoyed himself,” he said. “He might be 81 years old but he is indomitable – he was throwing himself into everything and just absolutely loving it.

“He was enjoying himself so much that everyone around him picked up on the enthusiasm and we’ve had nothing but praise for the whole weekend.”

Mr Bellamy and other respected naturalists guided participants around the region’s coastal grazing marshes, salt marshes and sea wall as well as other boat trips and bird-watching expeditions.

Mr Tabor, who is deputy of the Cinque Port Liberty of Brightlingsea and chairman of the British Naturalists’ Association, said the event aimed to make local people aware of the special habitats on their doorstep.

“It was wonderful to be able to show people their own area and for them to realise what amazing things there are here,” he said.