LOCAL author Rex Sly spent the day guiding Countryfile s Ben Fogle round Ely before Christmas. Mr Sly, author of Fenland Families, let the Countryfile presenter in on secrets from Ely s past which took in Burrows Bookshop, Bonnetts the bakers and Gibbs sh

LOCAL author Rex Sly spent the day guiding Countryfile's Ben Fogle round Ely before Christmas.

Mr Sly, author of Fenland Families, let the Countryfile presenter in on secrets from Ely's past which took in Burrows Bookshop, Bonnetts the bakers and Gibbs shoe shop.

The presenting team, which included veteran Newsround presenter John Craven stayed at the Lamb Hotel and were based in Welney for the majority of the programme. They then went on to do a piece at Elgood's brewery in Wisbech.

"He is a great character, Mr Sly said of Ben Fogle. "Absolutely charming to work with. It is difficult when a book took you five or six years to write and then someone wants it in a five minute slot for TV but he did seem genuinely interested."

The Countryfile programme was shown before Christmas.