'Surrey garden is my favourite place': Dame Maggie Aderin

Dame Maggie Aderin says she is "thrilled and honoured" to be Surrey Day ambassador in 2026, adding that she loves being a part of the county's community.

Dame Aderin, best known for presenting The Sky at Night and her work promoting science to school children, joins a list of previous ambassadors including Dame Judi Dench and Sir Brian May.

Speaking in the gardens of Watts Gallery near Compton, which she said was her "favourite place on earth", the CBeebies Stargazing presenter said she was drawn in by Surrey's countryside when she moved from London 30 years ago.

Surrey Day, on 9 May, celebrates the best things about the county with a range of events.

Dame Aderin, from Guildford, told BBC Radio Surrey: "I travel around the world for work, but I think it [Watts Gallery] is my favourite place on earth.

"It's where my husband proposed to me and it's where I mourned my father's death. I have a very busy life but coming to places like this makes me feel relaxed.

"I'm thrilled and honoured. I see myself as part of the Surrey community, so to be this year's ambassador makes me feel even more part of that community."

First taking place in 2019, Surrey Day involves a number of local charities and organisations coming together to celebrate the county.

Events this year include exploring Surrey's underground and hidden treasures.

BBC Radio Surrey will also host a special day of coverage on 9 May.

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