A HADDENHAM photographer has been given a prestigious award for taking this loveable picture of a puppy from Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

Paul Wilkinson has been awarded Pets and Livestock Photographer of the Year at The Master Photography Awards.

Photographers from all over the world competed in The Master Photography Awards, which recognise the greatest talent in the photographic image-making industry. His winning photo was this picture of a Cocker Spaniel puppy called Bond, who is currently training to become an assistance dog for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, which is based at Saunderton.

The photograph was taken at Christmas last year to promote the Hearing Dogs’ puppy sponsorship scheme, where members of the public can sponsor a puppy like Bond on his journey to become a hearing dog.

Paul said: "I remember this particular session being very lively as we photographed Bond and a similar puppy called Jess at the same time, it was pretty hectic.

"Sometimes though, the image just presents itself and although we had numerous shots of Bond trying to escape or chew my arm, just for the briefest of moments, he sat and closed his eyes. This is one of those images that is just full of charm and character, and is simply irresistible."

Paul has his own family dog, a laid back working Cocker Spaniel called Oscar, who accompanies him to work every day at his quirky photography studio. He was delighted to be approached by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People two years ago and he now works with the charity on a weekly basis; Paul also won another two Master Photography Awards this year for UK Classical Portrait Photographer of the Year and UK Lifestyle and Environmental Portrait Photographer of the Year.

Visit www.hearingdogs.org.uk for more details about the charity.