A LIFE behind the lens has been rewarded through a prestigious achievement award.
Photography legend Kent Gavin was honoured with a lifetime achievement award by the UK Picture Editors' Guild. He has spent a career chasing pictures around the world including trips to Vietnam and Canada – the scene of perhaps his most famous picture of a baby seal about to be clubbed to death.
But the former chief photographer with the Mirror has also been chronicling the Royals since the early days of the Queen's reign and has seen the joy of weddings, and births as well as funerals.
Now as part of a special edition book, Kent has compiled a collection of his memorable and famous shots.
He retired from his staff position in 2004 but still works as a freelance and has covered the Royal Wedding and the Jubilee.
The 73-year-old, who has already won 143 awards – including British Press Photographer of the Year four times, said: "My relationship with the Royal Family has been wonderful."
Kent, who has lived in Kelvedon Hatch for the past 25 years, will be at a signing of his new book – entitled My Royal Appointment at Waterstones in Brentwood at 11am on November 24.
For more from Kent's new book, see next week's paper.