Countryfile legend John Craven, 85, reveals funeral plans

Mr Craven has presented the popular BBC rural affairs show for 37 years, having started in 1989.

Prior to that, the TV host had a 17-year stint on Newsround, having launched it on the BBC in 1972.

Away from TV, the 85-year-old lives in a village near Banbury with his wife, where the couple brought up two daughters.

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In an interview with the Yorkshire Post, Mr Craven previously revealed that he wanted his ashes to be scattered at his favourite spot in Yorkshire.

“Still one of my favourite places in the world is Wharfedale and Otley Chevin, where I used to cycle with my mates,” he said.

“I love the coast too, especially Whitby, though we had family holidays in Bridlington because I suspect it was a bit cheaper.”

“I’d like to come home and have my ashes scattered in Yorkshire, maybe on the top of Otley Chevin.”

More recently, at Great British Farm Fest in Warwickshire, Mr Craven spoke of “difficulties” with Countryfile at the start of the iconic British show.

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He said: “In the very early days of Countryfile, it was very difficult to get cameras onto farms and to get farmers to speak to us.

“It took a long time to win farmers over and let them open the gates of the farm and let us in.”

Farmers are now more open and willing to share their experiences, he said, but warned there remains significant questions over balancing food production with environmental goals.

“We need to up the amount of food that is produced in this country,” he said.

“The balance between environmental concern and the need to produce more food, that is the big issue that faces the country today.”