A BROMSGROVE youngster has been recruited to help the National Trust make its sites more interesting to children.

Max Hodgson, eight, has been chosen in a select group of 10 kids who will help the charity evolve its ‘50 Things To Do Before You‘re 11¾’ campaign and provide advice on how National Trust places can spark children’s interest in nature and the outdoors.

The new Kids’ Council held its inaugural meeting at Dyrham Park, near Bath. Members’ first proposal to create a mud slide was put into practise with the help of a large hillside and Rob Holden, head ranger at Dyrham Park. Installing rope swings at National Trust places and creating a country-wide nature trail were other ideas discussed by the youngsters.

The nation-wide search for the young experts opened in August and attracted hundreds of applications from across the UK. The National Trust judges were looking for imaginative and enthusiastic candidates who showed a real passion for the outdoors.

Tony Berry, visitor experience director of the National Trust, said: “The applicants were imaginative, adventurous and exciting and we cannot wait to hear their views and start bringing their recommendations to life.”