ONE of Britain’s leading wildlife filmmakers is set to stage a free exhibition at Newton Abbot Museum.

The Golden Age of Wildlife Filmmaking will feature a unique collection compiled by Andrew Cooper whose professional career has spanned several decades and taken him to most corners of the globe.

It will include personal stories, film memorabilia, paintings and other objects that record the craft of BBC Natural History Unit filmmaking during the golden age of wildlife documentaries from 1980 to 2000.

Artefacts also include draft scripts annotated by the legendary Sir David Attenborough.

Born and brought up in Newton Abbot, Andrew has travelled to more than 70 countries to pursue his passion and continues to live in the area.

Trained as a biologist, he became an award-winning television producer in the early years of BBC Natural History Unit and has written several best-selling BBC books.

His wildlife documentaries, including Secrets of the Channel Shore, rank among the most popular in Britain.

Andrew said: ‘Wildlife and nature are still at the heart of my life. I’m so appreciative that my early passion for natural history led me to this fascinating and challenging career.

‘It has taken me to some of the world’s most extraordinary places.

‘Working with so many inspirational mentors, including Peter Scott and David Attenborough, put me at the centre of a flourishing team that shaped the course of wildlife film making.

‘I very much hope this exhibition might be a trigger for a new generation of filmmakers or conservationists to record and celebrate our amazing world.’

Museum Curator Joanna Eccles said: ‘Andrew’s wonderful personal collection of filmmaking equipment and documents gives us a rare insight into how the rise of wildlife documentaries inspired and changed the way we see the natural world.’

The exhibition runs from August 1 to September 1 and admission is free.