A FORMER firefighter and Falklands veteran has won a prestigious photography award.

Clive Hall, 56, from St Andrew’s Ridge was ecstatic when he heard that he had been awarded the rare title of Master Craftsman by the Guild of Photographers.

The title is given to members of the guild who have achieved exceptional professional standards in their photography and only five per cent of members are deemed worthy of the title. Mr Hall submitted a series of what he calls Sportraits - portraits of top sportsmen from Swindon including boxer Luke Watkins, to be considered for the honour.

Mr Hall said he was overjoyed when he heard the news and expressed gratitude for all the support he’s received from friends and family.

He said: “I’m in awe of all the people who’ve helped me, they have confidence in me and we’ve gone on this journey together. My wife Lynne was over the moon and my friends were thrilled to bits. I’ve also had a very good mentor - Damien McGillicuddy, two-time Master Photographer. I’m very honoured.”

Photography has been a hobby for most of Clive's life but it wasn’t until after he left the fire service that he decided to turn his passion into a profession.

He said: “My granddad, who I never met, took pictures of World War 1 trenches from above in biplanes. I saw those pictures and it must have stirred something up.”

Clive served in the Parachute Regiment for seven years then worked as a firefighter in Swindon for three decades.

He said: “My working life has been quite dark. I went to the Falklands and saw horrible things and when you’re a firefighter you obviously encounter a lot of people in trouble. I wanted to change things around and give myself a creative outlet.”

He’s been a professional photographer for five years but for him going to work never feels like a job. “The thrill and excitement I get when someone sees their portrait for the first time is fantastic, " he said. "I love it. The reaction is the reward, though of course the awards recognition is also incredible.”

In January, he also won a Fellowship from the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers. With these two awards under his belt, he’s now in the top one percent of photographers in the country. Clive isn't intending to sit on his laurels.

" I know one thing for sure - I’m not going to sit on my laurels, there are always new things to learn and new ideas to try,” he said.

Born in the Railway Village, Clive has been a proud Swindonian all his life, working tirelessly to help the community. He won a Pride of Swindon award in 2010.