AFTER 40 years of dedicated service as a keen freelance photographer Roy Chatburn has decided to down his camera and retire.

Roy's passion for photography began in his youth. After leaving Ribblesdale School, Clitheroe, he went to work at Gabriel's Photographers in Blackburn before becoming a freelance photographer at the age of 21 in 1963.

Roy has covered events for the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, the Clitheroe Advertiser and Times, the Darwen Advertiser and News and the Citizens and has many fond memories of his work.

Roy, 59, of Ambleside Drive, Darwen, said: "One of the most memorable jobs was when I went to photograph the annual inspection at Blackburn Sea Cadets for the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

"I found myself coming face to face with another keen photographer -Prince Andrew.

His visit as part of the crew of HMS Brazen, the ship twinned with the unit, had been kept a closely guarded secret.

I was the only press photographer there at the time and I will never forget it."

Roy is now looking forward to being able to attend evening meetings of Darwen Rotary Club, of which he was president from 1988-89.

He is also going to be continuing with commercial photography and picture framing but is looking forward to spending some time with his wife, Linda, who works at the Evening Gazette, Blackpool.

Roy said: "We are looking forward to spending some time together. We have always been like ships that pass in the night. Quite often Linda is arriving home from work just as I'm off on my night jobs.

"I have met some wonderful people over the years and been in some interesting situations, but I won't miss going out on dark, cold winter nights in all weathers."