The Cotswolds & Beyond With Pam Ayres

Channel 5, 8pm

Having explored the beauty and wonders of the Cotswolds last year, poet and presenter Pam Ayres extends her remit to include the area just beyond the region.

A six-part run begins with a visit to the National Arboretum at Westonbirt in Gloucestershire, home to more than 15,000 trees – including the Three Sisters, an awe-inspiring trio of giant California redwoods planted in 1865 and now measuring more than 100ft.

Ayres (right with her dog) exudes avid curiosity as she visits Stonehenge, samples the spa water at Cheltenham and goes on a quest for the water vole in Oxfordshire.

Finally, she stops in the Worcestershire market town of Pershore to visit the home of Toyah Willcox and her lovely garden. The 1970s pop star confesses: ‘Most of the punk rockers I know live in mansions.’ ★★★★★