It was great to be working for my old newspaper, The Northern Echo, over the weekend. I spent 12 happy years there as a staff photographer and will always have a soft spot for it as a result. The variety of my latest shift was as broad as ever taking me from an appointment with protesters against a solar farm near Burnhope, to one of the schools that has been added to the increasing list of those containing crumbling concrete in Ferryhill. On Sunday I met the family of Jack Woodley, who was tragically killed in an unprovoked knife-attack last year. They were raising money for a memorial bench in his hometown of Newton Aycliffe. Finally I attended Cockerton Dog Show in Darlington where I witnessed some clever treat-encouraged tricks and four-legged fancy dressers, including a pair of Alsatians in tiaras and tutus - quite the spectacle!
Taking pictures is one thing, but learning to approach such different subject matter, often with sensitivity and respect, is another. I look forward to the next time my former employer comes calling!