WILDLIFE presenter Johnny Kingdom has died in a horrific digger accident aged 79.

The beloved telly host - dubbed "one of the last true characters of rural Britain" - was crushed by the hulking vehicle yesterday evening at his farm in Devon.

4 The beloved telly host was crushed by the hulking vehicle this afternoon at his farm in Devon Credit: PA:Press Association

Emergency services rushed to Wadham Cross, Devon amid reports that the digger had rolled over on on Thursday night.

He was declared dead at the scene at about 9pm.

In a statement, Mr Kingdom's family said: "Unfortunately a legend has been lost.

"Johnny would want you all to continue with his love for Exmoor as you all meant so much to him.

4 Emergency services rushed to the isolated farm amid reports that the digger had rolled over about 9pm on Thursday night Credit: Rex Features

"As the loving man himself would have said: 'Farewell to all you lovely people'.

Before becoming a film-maker, Johnny worked as a farmer, a quarryman, a forestry worker, a gravedigger and a poacher.

He took up filming after a friend lent him a camera as he recovered from tractor accident.

In 2006, the BBC screened a 10-part series about his life entitled Johnny Kingdom: A Year On Exmoor.

4 In a statement, Mr Kingdom's family asked his fans to continue his love for Exmoor Credit: Rex Features

Agent Hilary Knight said: "Today we have lost one of the last true characters of rural Britain.

"Born and bred an Exmoor man through-and-through he loved his Devon patch and all the flora and fauna within.

"He lit up our TV screens with his enthusiasm and passion. He became a very proficient photographer and cameraman and his work became very sought after.

"The various Devon shows, and in particular South Molton market, will be a sadder place without his cheery presence. He will be sadly missed."

4 Before becoming a film-maker, Mr Kingdom worked as a farmer, quarryman, forestry worker, gravedigger and poacher Credit: Rex Features

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A Devon and Cornwall Police spokeswoman said: "Officers were called to a single-vehicle collision on Thursday night.

"It was reported that a digger had rolled over in a field.

"Emergency services attended and a 79-year-old local man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin are aware."