ONE of Sussex’s grandest country houses will feature on Countryfile this weekend.

Comedian and wildlife photographer Bill Bailey and zoologist and natural history presenter Dr Charlotte Uhlenbroek joined presenter John Craven and the crew of BBC’s Countryfile to film at Petworth House and Park.

The trio of presenters gathered at the 700 acre National Trust estate to select the 12 best pictures from this year’s Countryfile photographic competition.

Rob Jackson, house general manager, said: “It was a great pleasure for Petworth to host this year’s judging.

“The theme of this year’s competition, Animal Magic, seemed particularly apt with the team of judges having the opportunity to get close to Petworth’s animals.”

Filming began at 8am with John Craven accompanying head keeper, David Whitby, on an early morning deer watch.

The three guest judges then arrived in style in a horse drawn carriage to start the serious business of judging, with 3,000 entries whittled down to 12.

These pictures will then feature in the 2015 Countryfile Calendar.

Profits from the Countryfile Photographic Calendar are donated to Children in Need, which received over £1.4 million from last year’s calendar.

Viewers will vote for the overall winner who will win photography equipment worth £1,000 as well as having their photo feature on the front cover of the calendar.

Countryfile will air on Sunday at 8pm on BBC1.