Australia shows Irwin's last film

By Phil Mercer
BBC News, Sydney

Irwin was killed while filming in September last year

The final documentary made by naturalist Steve Irwin is being broadcast in his native Australia.

The film follows Irwin in the days leading up to his death last September, when he was killed by a stingray.

Entitled Ocean's Deadliest, the film is introduced by Irwin's widow, Terri, and is being broadcast by Australia's Channel 9 network.

It shows Steve Irwin in his element, coming face-to-face with great white sharks, venomous fish and crocodiles.

He also delivers a powerful message about conservation.

The film is narrated by the explorer Philippe Cousteau, the grandson of the famous oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, who accompanied Irwin - dubbed the Crocodile Hunter - on what would be his last journey.

Many Australians have very fond memories of the irrepressible television presenter and naturalist.

"He was a good bloke. I think he actually depicted what a true Australian outback bloke was," one man said.

Steve Irwin's widow Terri reportedly found the 90-minute documentary "harrowing".