AN AMATEUR photographer’s image of work at a Darwen firm has been shortlisted for a national award.

Dad-of-seven Rick Harbour took the striking picture of a loading shovel while at work at Express Asphalt in Goose House Lane.

And after entering a selection of photographs into the fifth annual EEF/Lombard Make it Britain photography competition, the snap, entitled You Spilled My Pint was chosen as a finalist by the judges.

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The photograph will now go on display at an awards ceremony in the House of Commons on December 11, where the winning photographer will be announced.

Mr Harbour, 47, who is married to Gail, said he had always wanted to try his hand at photography.

He said: “I finally got myself a camera last year and just started practising.

“I had always wanted to play about with photographs and experiment and I finally got round to making the investment and picking up the equipment.

“I enjoy looking at things you see day in day out differently and capturing the moment.”

Mr Harbour, who lives in Helmshore, near Haslingden, said he was surprised to go so far in the prestigious competition.

He said: “I heard about the competition and thought I might as well give it a go. I was delighted to find out I’d been shortlisted for this award and knowing my work will be displayed in the House of Commons is the icing on the cake.

“Manufacturing offers endless opportunities for creative, dramatic and eye-catching images, but the tricky part is really capturing its essence and the imagination of the judges.”

The competition aims to raise the profile of British manufacturing by showcasing the industry’s creativity, diversity and heritage through inspiring photography.

It is part of EEF’s ongoing Make it Britain campaign, which champions the vitality and vibrancy of the UK’s manufacturing and industrial base.

Neil Lloyd, head of sales development at Lombard Business and Commercial, said: “This competition is about capturing the spirit of modern-day manufacturing and Rick has to be congratulated for taking a standout photograph that does exactly that.”