AN amateur photographer is the toast of North Romford Camera Club this week after winning a special commendation in a hotly contested competition.

Mike Hewson, 43, a security supervisor of Highfield Road, Collier Row, had three pictures selected from the more than 300 hundred entries in the Thames Barrier to Teddington exhibition.

And from the 40 displayed in the final show at Foyles Gallery, Charing Cross, five were selected for commendations, including Mike’s stunning Thames Tug Boat at Blackfriars, pictured above.

The winners were chosen for their reflection of “the authentic experience of living and working in and around the Thames”.