A COUNTRYSIDE lover has thrown in his chips and opted to turn his hobby into a job.

Former fish and chip shop owner John Butler, 54, from Crook, has been appointed as assistant recreation ranger at Hamsterley Forest, near Bishop Auckland.

Mr Butler, who is originally from Manchester, spent 26 years working in the chemical industry before opening a fish and chip shop in Belmont, Durham.

But the lifelong naturalist found the lure of the wilderness irresistible. He joined Durham County Council as a countryside ranger and last month was offered the job of his dreams among ten million trees.

"It's not often you get a chance to combine work and pleasure, but that's what I'm doing now," he said.

"It's brilliant being able to work with the public and school groups and share my love for the environment."

Mr Butler, who is married with two children, took an HND in countryside management and primed himself for his career change in the Nineties by signing up for Durham County Council's Voluntary Countryside Rangers.

He is now responsible for checking trails are in good condition, maintaining recreational facilities and organising events.

The forest also includes 20 important flower meadows and a new Forestry Commission survey has found each boasts up to 135 different plant species.

Forest chiefs have been working with local farmers to ensure traditional management of the meadows continues.

Gordon Simpson, West Auckland naturalist and wildlife consultant, said: "The fortunes of many butterfly species and bumblebees are strongly linked to nectar from these flowers."