A LOVER of the outdoors has been chosen to take part in a new project to make Britain more adventurous.

Barbara Walshe is one of 60 people selected for Ordnance Survey’s exciting new project.

Mrs Walshe and her fellow OS GetOutside champions were commended at an event in the New Forest, where they were joined by TV presenter and adventurer Ben Fogle and endurance adventurer Sean Conway.

The champions, chosen for proving their love for being outside, include journalists, bloggers and authors.

Barbara, 36, from Boxted, plans to walk the Essex Way, an 82 mile footpath across Essex, hike in the Scottish highlands and run in the Grand Canyon, among other challenges.

She said: “I have loved the outdoors since I was a child thanks to my parents always making time for us to spend time outside, so I have lots of happy memories of being outside throughout my life.

“I have only just started my blog as I hope to share my love of the outdoors and inspire others as part of my role as a #GetOutside Champion.”

She has previously completed numerous trail races, a few triathlons and the six day, 120 mile Transrockies Run in Colorado in 2015.

Although she has been travelling all over the world, Mrs Walshe, who works in London for an international law firm, still treasures her home town.

She said: “Colchester’s Castle Park is a great place to visit in town but I also love Dedham Vale and all the public rights of way with stunning views - the walk from Dedham to Flatford Mill is one of my favourites.”

She was thrilled to be selected as an Ordnance Survey GetOutside Champion.

She added: “Being outside brings me so much joy and I hope by sharing my love of the outdoors it will inspire other people to go outside and have their own adventures, no matter how big or small.

“Essex can often be forgotten when people are looking for beautiful countryside to explore and I also want to show the best of what is right on our doorstep.”

Ordnance Survey has selected its champions to promote the many benefits of an active outdoor lifestyle.

Representative Ben Fogle, said he was delighted to be part of the group.

He said: “There are some truly remarkable and inspirational people in this group, and it is an honour and delight to be joining them for what I think is an important campaign, making the outdoors enjoyable, accessible and safe.”

The champions have been given exclusive access to OS products before anyone else and will take part in product trials.

To find out more visit barbsoutdoors.co.uk.