A STUDENT is ‘rover the moon’ after landing the chance to work with a renowned royal photographer.

Tom Lacey, 16, bagged first prize in a photography competition run by his school, Alder Grange, in Rawtenstall, and Hillendale Land Rover, in Colne.

Pupils from years 11 to 13 teamed up with the car dealership for a project to capture the spirit of the vehicles.

Six students took part in the competition, which challenged them to create inspiring shots of the vehicles and the people who work with them.

The youngsters gained behind the scenes access to the showroom, mechanics’ area and the vehicle test track to inspire their work.

A panel of judges chose Tom’s work, which will be displayed at the dealership, and he will now spend time with Royals photographer Jeremy Makinson, at his Ribble Valley Studios in Blackburn as part of his prize.

Tom, who has moved on to Alder Grange’s sixth form to study A-levels, said: “I took quite a few photos but when I saw this one of the front grille of a Land Rover with the badge I thought I would stand a good chance of winning.”

Hillendale group marketing executive Mariam Aslam said: “The standard of entries was really high, it was hard to pick a winner.”

Jeremy Makinson, who lives in the Ribble Valley, is the official supplier of images to the Princess Royal.

He has also photographed famous faces, heads of state and foreign and British royalty.