Meet explorer, 14, on a mission to find BIGFOOT

Meet the UK's youngest explorer who at just 14-years-old is on a mission to find BIGFOOT.

Daniel Barnett has even started a podcast where he interviews famous scientists from across the globe in his search for the mythical creature.

He became fascinated with the subject after watching a documentary with his grandfather Adrian Roberts, 72.

The plucky teen began to research the topic in depth, before setting up his podcast 'Mythical Legends' - where he interviews renowned experts and scientists.

Daniel has autism and struggles from severe social anxiety, but his dad Craig Barnett, 44, who works in schools, claims that since starting his podcast he's become a ''different person''.

The young explorer has set up cameras in Windown Forest, Bridgwater, in the hopes of tracking down the infamous Sasquatch and has even sent environmental DNA samples of a footprint he found to a lab in Portugal.

Daniel hopes to encourage other young people to join him in his hunt for Bigfoot, who is said to be based in the US, by setting up an activities event with guest speakers and experts in the field.

Daniel, from Bridgwater, Somerset, said: "I started going to my local woods with my nan and tracking deer to gain experience.

''We'd look for game trails, disturbances and tracks, and would follow them until we found the deer.

"My nan has helped me organise everything and has believed in me from the start.

"I love being outdoors and even set up cameras to capture footage of wildlife.

''I love the mystery around Bigfoot and that there's a lot of investigating and science into it.

"I'm very hopeful that one day I'll find him.

"People think he's a ferocious scary beast, but we don't know that.

"We base our opinions on Bigfoot around from research in America, when really we could have our own species here in the UK.

"Finding Bigfoot would end the mystery, and actually that's part of the fun. In a way, I'd rather not find him and still have the mystery."

Daniel was diagnosed with autism at six-years-old after struggling socially in school.

But Craig claims that Daniel, who has a younger sister, Emily, 12, has become a ''different child'' thanks to his new fascination with mythical creatures.

"When Daniel finds something that he's passionate about, that's it,'' Craig explained.

"Since becoming interested in mythical creatures and started his podcast, he's really come into his own.

''We are super proud of all of his achievements, especially with the difficulties he goes through with his autism.

"His thirst for knowledge and passion has caused his confidence and social skills blossom."

After watching the documentary "Expedition Bigfoot" with his grandfather in March 2021, Daniel became fascinated with the Bigfoot story.

He discovered an online community - particularly in America - of like-minded people who shared his love of the outdoors and passion for tracking down Bigfoot.