TELEVISION presenter Ben Fogle and the BBC’s chief political editor Nick Robinson were a hit with fans who packed out Chepstow’s Drill Hall to see them talk about their new books on Saturday.

Mr Fogle, who was thrust into the spotlight on BBC reality show Castaway, and has since gone on to present programmes including Countryfile and Crufts, spoke about his autobiography The Accidental Naturalist.

That included an insight into his adventures ice-skating across Sweden, running barefoot in the Sahara and rowing across the Atlantic.

In the afternoon journalist Mr Robinson discussed his first book Live from Downing Street to a sellout 270-strong crowd.

The book gives a colourful insight into life as the BBC’s political editor, looking at the role of 24-hour news and the relationship between politics and the media.

Matt Taylor, of The Chepstow Bookshop, who organised the event, said both were among the best speakers they had ever had.

He said: “It was really, really good. Everyone had a really good time, they are the two most exceptional speakers we have had – they really engaged with their audience.”