'I'm still on cloud nine' - that was the reaction of a photographer from Oulton Broad who returned from a national awards ceremony as the Travel and Tourism Photographer of the Year.
Julian Claxton described how he was shocked to receive his award, which recognised the quality of a photograph he took on a trip to Eden School in rural Uganda earlier this year.
The photograph depicts children from the school bursting into song during afternoon chapel.
Mr Claxton attended the Travel Media Awards ceremony at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel in London on Monday, November 9.
The event was attended by the UK's top travel media, with 20 publications, broadcasters, journalists and photographers collecting prestigious awards.
The announcement followed extensive deliberation by panels of industry and media judges.
Mr Claxton said: 'It was a total honour and indeed shock to reach the shortlist of this prestigious award.
'I always believed that the photograph I shot of the children at Eden School was pretty special, but to have it recognised in this way simply means so much.
'The buzz of standing on stage and accepting the award, along with the likes of TV travel documentary presenter Simon Reeve, was one of those very special moments in
life.
'I guess the overall feeling is one of sheer excitement and pride in not only the image I shot, but the welcoming nature of the communities in rural Uganda I have had the pleasure to work with.
'People are an integral part of the photographs I shoot and without them I wouldn't be accepting this amazing award.'
Mr Claxton will continue his photography programme when he returns to rural Uganda in 2016. The programme helps to provide photography education and the chance for the children of small communities to learn visual art and shoot pictures of their daily life.
His previous project was so successful that photography has now been added to the school's timetable.
'Since working with the children of East Africa, I have felt so humbled and my life has become
incredibly enriched. It is moments like the awards that simply add that extra something,' Mr Claxton said.
If you would like to donate to enable the project to continue, or for further information and updates, email info@julianclaxtonphotography.com or visit www.julianclaxtonphotography.com
Do you have a Lowestoft story? Email joe.randlesome@archant.co.uk
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