Ray Mears shares wild tales in Shrewsbury
Bushcraft expert Ray Mears entertained a sell-out crowd in Shrewsbury with tales of some of the world's most uninhabitable and harshest environments.
Mears appeared on stage at Theatre Severn for the opening night of his Outdoor Life tour.
He shared with the crowd several of his most thrilling experiences from over 30 years surviving the wilderness and its colourful wildlife.
Mears – known to millions for his baggy shorts and khaki shirt – also recounted tales of his latest trips to Australia and America. The adventurer, who has been on TV screens for almost 20 years, attributed his initial interest in survival techniques to one man – his judo teacher, who had been behind enemy lines in the jungle in the Second World War.
He has written several best-selling books, and after launching his television career in 1994, he has hosted a number of successful series for the BBC and ITV.
Three years ago he was asked by police to use his unique knowledge to track wanted killer Raoul Moat, and he has also endured great tragedy in the public eye after his partner of 15 years, Rachel, died from breast cancer, aged 44.
It's a subject he deals with in his new autobiography, My Outdoor Life, which came out on September 12.
His nationwide tour which takes in 26 other venues and coincides with the 30th anniversary of Woodlore, Mears' company.
