AMERICAN author Bill Bryson, who wrote some of his world best-sellers whilst living in the Yorkshire Dales, will today (February 26) launch as revolutionary on-line forum to get ordinary people involved in countryside issues.

Bill Bryson

Bryson and his family lived for many years in Malhamdale and it was there that he wrote his most famous book, Notes from a small island, a wry but touching account of life in Britain with many anecdotes take from incidents in the Dales.

He returned with his family to America in 1995 so that his children could go American universities but, as a dedicated Anglophile with a deep affection for the English countryside, he has returned and become President of the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

Today, he will launch the CPRE's on-line, open to anyone forum: Towards a vision for the countryside.

He commented: "Last year I was challenged to lead a debate with our members on the future of the countryside in 2026, CPRE's centenary year.

"But we want a wider, national debate. After all, if we can explore and understand what people want from our countryside in 20 years time, then we will be in a much better position to plan the steps to get there."

• Anyone can join the debate at www.cpre.org.uk