Naturalist, author, and television presenter Chris Packham has endorsed the work of Maidstone based children's' charity.

Mr Packham, famous for presenting the BBC's Springwatch series and CBBC's nature programme The Really Wild Show, tweeted to his 235,000 followers on Monday, February 19 praising Danelion Time, a charity working with children who have been abused and neglected, some of whom have disorders such as ADHD and autism.

On his twitter account, Mr Packham said: "I'm proud to endorse @dandeliontime working with nature to help vulnerable children to achieve lasting and positive change in their lives."

The West Farleigh charity helps children and families through farm and craft activities, spending time outdoors caring for animals and tending to vegetables as well as working creatively with their hands using natural materials.

The naturalist has written about growing up with Asperger's, an autistic spectrum disorder in his 2016 book Fingers in the Sparkle Jar and talked about his experience in the TV programme Asperger's and Me which aired in October last year.

Speaking about his support for the charity, he said: "I am delighted to endorse the innovative work of Dandelion Time because it takes a holistic approach for each child, using our relationship with nature as the basis for its therapy."

Mr Packham, who has spoken before about how his relationship with his dogs had helped him out of low points in his life believes animals can help others too.

“Children need to experience nature close up and if they are lucky enough to form a bond with an animal, it can be life changing, especially if they are struggling with Asperger’s", he said.

Dr Caroline Jessel, charity chair and founder, said: "We are really delighted to have the support of Chris Packham for our work.

"He has a deep connection with the natural environment as well as a personal understanding of the challenges of growing up with Asperger's so he intuitively understands why we use the healing power of nature as the basis of our unique therapeutic service for children and families."