AN Oxfordshire adventurer has been selected to help spearhead a new national campaign to make Britain more 'outdoorsy'.

Matthew Dieumegard-Thornton of Boars Hill is one of 60 people chosen as an Ordnance Survey 'Get Outside' champion.

For the campaign Mr Dieumegard-Thornton, who in 2012 became one of the youngest British climbers and part of the youngest ever team to climb Mount Everest, will be promoting the many benefits of an active outdoor lifestyle.

He said being chosen as an OS 'Get Outside' champion was both 'inspiring and daunting'.

"Getting outside is just one simple, yet very effective strategy in reducing deep rooted sedentary behaviour," he added.

"I’m certainly looking forward to encouraging others to tackle their first Wainwright [a collection of 214 hills and fells, popular with walkers], or even their first footpath this year."

The champions have been chosen for their ability to communicate their love for being outside and include journalists, bloggers and authors.

The team, which also includes TV presenter Ben Fogle, were unveiled at a special event in the New Forest last week.