AN East Lancashire photographer has been nominated for a prestigious global award for his work over the last 12 months.

Phil Hargreaves has been shortlisted for The Societies’ Photographer of the Year, a competition which draws entries from some of the best snappers from every continent.

The winner of the wedding and portrait category will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony in London on Saturday, January 17.

More than 12,500 images were submitted for consideration in the competition from all around the world.

Mr Hargreaves, who grew up in Burnley, is based at Higherfold Mill in Gisburn Road, Barrowford and won the Digital Photographer of the Year in 2009 in Digital Photo magazine.

In March 2013 The Society of Weddings and Portrait Photographers bestowed three Gold Awards on images that he submitted for their monthly competition.

Mr Hargreaves said: “I’m thrilled to be named amongst the best to reach the finals. I was surprised and very pleased to find out that I have been nominated.

“Only the very best images from the year’s entries get chosen for nomination and they have entries from great photographers all over the world. I’m very honoured to be chosen.”

Phil Jones, The Societies’ CEO said: “We have seen a fantastic range of images and the standard has been very high.

“The finalists represent some of the finest images entered in to the competition and have competed against some of the world’s best photographers. Congratulations to all our finalists.”

The Societies’ 2015 Convention Awards Dinner will be held in London as part of The Societies’ Photographic Convention and Trade Show, from Wednesday to Sunday, January 18.

The Societies manage eight internationally recognised photographic organisations focusing on prime services to full-time and aspiring photographers.