A HALESOWEN vicar is set to capture the hearts of a nation after being picked to appear in a BBC series about caravanners.

Hazel Charlton, vicar of St Peter’s Church in Lapal, is the chaplain of The Caravan Club of Great Britain and has already been featured on an episode of Caravanner of the Year.

She said: “My caravanning hobby was supposed to be my ‘outside church’ interest, but someone suggested me for chaplain of the Caravan Club after Canon Steph Roberts retired three years ago.

"As my family and I enjoy getting away and are active in our local CC centre, I agreed to take the post on a temporary basis bI think I’m there for life now.”

However, the popularity of the trials and tribulations of caravanners and campers means the they soon all could be household names.

“I am amazed at how much response the program has promoted, but like it or not, it has put the Caravan Club into the forefront of people’s minds."

She added: "The competition shows that, on the whole, most have a sense of humour.”

“I suspect that this second or two of fame will do no harm to me or the folk of St Peter’s, Lapal, but if you have a van, then please do join us on the rally field.”

Rev Charlton can be seen judging handicrafts and a baking competition at a recent rally with club chairman Grenville Chamberlain.

This led her to be mentioned on BBC Radio 2’s Chris Evans Show and an even more exposure.