A student with autism met her hero Chris Packham as the BBC's Winterwatch returned to Norfolk for the final time.

Rosie Forster, from Lyng, thought she had been invited for a look behind the scenes as the crew made last-minute preparations before the flagship nature show begins its latest run.

But the 17-year-old Easton College student was introduced to Chris, who was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome in his 40s, and co-presenter Michaela Strachan as they arrived on set.

Eastern Daily Press: Rosie Forster meets Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan on the Winterwatch set at Wild Ken HillRosie Forster meets Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan on the Winterwatch set at Wild Ken Hill (Image: Chris Bishop)

"I'm shocked, I can't speak," she said, before chatting to Chris and Michaela about her animal care course.

She later added: "He's an inspiration of mine because he's got autism and I have. I've watched him on TV loads of times but I never thought I would ever meet him."

The surprise was organised by Rosie's mother, Emma and family friend Jenny Beake, a local journalist.

Eastern Daily Press: Michaela Strachan and Chris Packham are looking forward to broadcasting the BBC's Winterwatch from Wild Ken Hill in Norfolk Michaela Strachan and Chris Packham are looking forward to broadcasting the BBC's Winterwatch from Wild Ken Hill in Norfolk (Image: Chris Bishop)

As the weather took a decidedly wintry turn, Chris and Michaela said they were looking forward to see what surprises Wild Ken Hill, a trail-blazing rewilding project on a working farm, might throw up.

A long-range thermal imaging camera has been set up along with the usual battery of lenses peering into remote habitats including a woodland managed by beavers.

Chris said he was hoping to see mid-sized predators, such as stoats, weasels and polecats, which play a crucial ecological role.

Eastern Daily Press: A battery of cameras has been set up by BBC Winterwatch at Wild Ken Hill A battery of cameras has been set up by BBC Winterwatch at Wild Ken Hill (Image: Chris Bishop)

Michaela said: "I'm excited to see who the star of Winterwatch is going to be, last time it was Ray the Rat."

Highlights are also expected to include footage from live cameras set up to capture some of the birds which migrate to Norfolk each winter.

The show is set to move on to as-yet undisclosed pastures new after broadcasting 48 live shows from Wild Ken Hill under the Autumn, Spring and Winterwatch banners over the last three years.

Eastern Daily Press: The BBC's flagship Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch have been broadcast from Wild Ken Hill in Norfolk for the last three yearsThe BBC's flagship Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch have been broadcast from Wild Ken Hill in Norfolk for the last three years (Image: Wild Ken Hill)

"I'd like to see what other farmers do and how they've been inspired by what they're seen," said Michaela of the show's Norfolk legacy.

"It's a very productive farm and it's got great wildlife. Both can be productive and that's the way we've got to go in this country."

The programme will be on air from Tuesday to Friday at 8pm on BBC2 for two weeks from Tuesday, January 17 - Friday, January 27.