Monday 21st November 2016 is a day I will never forget as it was on that night I was presented with the #OMGB Award in the Sunday Times Landscape Photographer of The Year competition.

L to R Tim Holt from Visit Britain, Julia Bradbury, Me and Charlie Waite

Held at the Bar and Grill above Waterloo station it was packed with photographers and industry specialists from all over the UK. The actual exhibition is staged above the concourse and will run at waterloo until 5th February next year before embarking upon a tour of Britain.

It was an absolute pleasure to renew old acquaintances and put faces to names I had chatted with online.

My wife Irene and I were particularly pleased with the warm welcome we received and it was good to have a glass or two with Justin Minns and the Lee 'boys' Ralph and Adam Young. Their support through out the evening was very welcome.

L to R With two of 'The Lee Boys' Adam Young and Ralph Young. So supportive of my work and pleased to say great company too.

I had no idea that we would actually be given a trophy but I was delighted when asked to step up and receive the perspex plaque that I am now looking directly at as I write this piece. Meeting Charlie Waite was a real honour!

Days and awards like this do not come along too often and it is only now several weeks on that the effect is beginning to hit me. I am currently being dubbed 'The Rainbow Man. I can take that. As long as it isn't Zippy or Bungle.....

I have literally had phone calls and emails from across the globe congratulating me and I am humbled by the response.

A big thanks to all who have continued to show their support to me. you have no idea just how much it means.

Being 'darn sarf' gave me an opportunity to walk around 'that there London' and I always feel like country boy as I enter the city. It is an awesome place and I never tire of it.

Wouldn't live there though...

The following day it was back home and out on the fells for an afternoon around the Langdale Pikes and then a lovely day spent on a workshop around Devoke Water. The weather was simply gorgeous.

Blea Tarn and 'The Pikes. Screen shot from Lightroom

Blea Tarn Reflections. Screen shot from Lightroom

I would say I am over the moon but I know I was lucky in FINDING GOLD.....