AWARD-winning TV journalist Michael Buerk, who reported on dramatic events from more than 50 countries, finds peace in the leafy glades of Herefordshire.

Michael, whose harrowing reports of the Ethiopian famine led Bob Geldof to launch Live Aid, is still a busy broadcaster but his globe-trotting days are over.

He now has more time to explore the county he loves. He and his Hereford-born wife Christine, regulars at the Hay Festival for 10 years, always bring their walking boots.

They cherish beauty spots such as Dinedor Hill and Cusop Dingle and have long-planned to 'do' the whole of the Wye Valley Walk.

They are thrilled with a new discovery - the 154-mile Herefordshire Trail.

Michael was invited by the Hereford Group of the Ramblers' Association to open the trail at its Ledbury starting point.

The TV cameras were rolling as Michael and Christine arrived from Hay in their classic car, a 44-year old E-type Jaguar.

The formalities at a reception attended by civic leaders and ramblers were kept to a minimum. Michael and Christine were raring to go.

They slipped on their boots to follow the trail from Ledbury's historic Market Hall, along cobbled Church Street and uphill on to Bradlow Knoll.

"Its quintessential England," Michael told the Hereford Times as he paused to take in the views of a valley patchwork of fields and woods. "This countryside is Herefordshire's unique selling proposition."

The new trail, which uses existing footpaths and links the five Herefordshire market towns, was "a superb idea".

"It encourages people to come and stay," said Michael. "Walking is a marvellous past-time. You come into contact with so much natural beauty and its great for comradeship - walking is for friends."

Christine grew up in Hereford where her family ran the former B & G Lilley butcher's shop in St Owen Street. She and Michael met on a journalism course and were married in the city's Holy Trinity Church 36 years ago.

They raised two sons - both now journalists - and made their home in Surrey but they say their hearts belong to Herefordshire.

"It's the most beautiful county in England, but those of us who know that have always wanted to keep it a secret," said Michael. "Perhaps its time to share that secret."

Throughout his visit he autographed copies of the 96-page illustrated trail guide describing it as "an inspiration" as he talked about local landmarks.

"I'm one of those people who have been up Lord Hereford's Knob," he quipped, referring the borderland hill with the very funny name.

"May I suggest that people who complete the Herefordshire Trail be admitted to the Fellowship of Lord Hereford's Knob?"

l The guide is available at tourist information centres. Michael Buerk's autobiography, The Road Taken, first published last autumn is due out as an Arrow paperback in July.