A writer, photographer and illustrator from Hoddlesden has been awarded Best Guidebook for his manual ‘Best Day Walks in Snowdonia’, the highest montain in Wales.

The Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild’s Awards for Excellence chose John Gillham’s book for its usefulness and aesthetic qualities.

Publisher Frances Lincoln said: “This is a really good-looking book, and just the right size to be practical.

“The Wainwright-style map option is useful and attractive and the routes are well-explained and backed by an interesting narrative.”

Mr Gillham’s simple line drawings of the mountainous region are illustrated in both English and Welsh languages.

In 2007 he was commissioned by publisher Frances Lincoln to write and illustrate a comprehensive four-book series, ‘Pictorial Guides to the Mountains of Snowdonia’.

‘Best Day Walks in Snowdonia’ was written as a companion to the pictorial guides and is aimed at family walkers who want to take to the mountains.