A Dersingham amateur photographer has won a top award given in memory of illustrator, writer and poet Mervyn Peake.

The awards celebrate the achievements of people living with Parkinson's and John Horwood, 61, scooped the photography category at a recent ceremony.

His picture, Alley Palley, will also feature in a charity calendar being produced for 2012.

The competition is run by the charity Parkinson's UK and judged by the Peake family in memory of Mervyn, who had Parkinson's.

Chocolat author Joanne Harris presented Mr Horwood with his certificate and the ceremony was also attended by Mr Peake's children Sebastian, Fabian and Clare.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Horwood said: 'I'm very shocked but very pleased. Winning this award gives me a real confidence boost and has inspired me to keep taking photographs. It proves that having Parkinson's doesn't need to stand in the way of creativity.'

Speaking after the event, Mr Horwood said the picture was taken in Reepham and he was 'lucky' to be in the right place with a camera at the right time.

'I was very surprised to win. I think it's a timeless picture,' he said.

The keen photographer and watercolour artist is also a member of Hunstanton Camera Club.

'I think I have found my style, pen and ink with watercolour, and will be sticking to it,' he said.