PUCKLECHURCH and surrounding areas offer some fantastic walks – but sometimes dogs and their owners need a change of scene.

That’s what inspired retired teacher Anna Chelmicka to share favourite routes she has discovered from dog-friendly campsites around the UK in two books.

Now Anna and her lovely Labradors Pippin, who’s almost two, and her mum Pearl have found a new audience for their walkies after an appearance on TV.

Anna, 74, and her pets featured in an episode of the Channel 5 series Million Pound Motorhomes. Anna told viewers how she bought her camper van 20 years ago with money from her pension pot.  It’s not a luxury vehicle like some in the series but has given her and her dogs, who are well known in Pucklechurch, where some of Pippin’s siblings also live, the chance to explore far and wide in the UK.

In a quirky segment of the programme, which also featured Dragon’s Den presenter Sara Davies visiting the Lake District in a converted delivery van, Anna was seen leaving her home and driving out of the village to a campsite in Hungerford where she talked about her love of Labradors and tea and her dislike of rain. 

“It was great fun,” said Anna. “I love my motorhome. I have been to lots of 50 dog-friendly campsites and am busy working on my third book.”

Her first book featured 46 circular walks from 23 campsites and her second, More Wonderful Walks from Dog-friendly Campsites throughout Great Britain…with dog-friendly pubs nearby, 48 round routes. She also write online at Motorhome Musings.

Anna’s appearance in episode 2 of series 4 can be found on Channel 5’s catch-up site.