Caitlin Gallagher

Current and former photography students from William Farr Academy got the chance to exhibit their work in the Sam Scorer Gallery in Lincoln.

Over 40 photographs were displayed to celebrate 25 years of teaching photography at the school.

The school first launched the photography course in 1991 and its reputation has grown ever since.

Amongst the work from eight current students, former students Tom Hartford (award winning photographer), Jack Grange (winner of the Young Fashion Photographer of the year), Annabel Smith (freelance wedding photographer) and William Bowser (runs a successful photography business) also had their work displayed.

All four went on to have successful careers in photography, with Tom Hartford selling one of his still life shots for £12,000.

Headteacher Andy Stones said: “It’s extremely satisfying to see our former pupils really excelling in such a competitive world and the quality of work shows there are many students that will follow in their footsteps.

“The staff, students and parents work extremely hard to create an atmosphere at the school where individual’s creative energy is developed and harnessed and to see that flourish is very rewarding.”

Head of Photography, Steve Coles added: “We are so proud of their creativity and professionalism and thrilled to be able to able to display them in a gallery with such a good reputation.”

The showcase will be open until the morning of Sunday, June 22. Entrance to the Sam Scorer Gallery on Drury Lane is free.

Branston Community Academy has brought together the local community after opening their Herons gym in February.

Since opening their gym they have already beaten their target membership numbers within the first four months with 60% of members from outside the school.

The school invested £100,000 into the gym as not only does it promote a healthy lifestyle in the school environment but it also gives students real life work experience as the gym is staffed mainly by students.

Equipment at the Branston Community Academy gym

The gym contains new equipment such as running, cycling and rowing machines and also offers personal training sessions and training programmes. It is managed by experienced gym instructor Kareem Mahfouz.

Head teacher Peter Beighton said: “It puts the school at the heart of the local community by offering residents and parents a good facility on their doorstep.

“The school takes its role in the community very seriously and wherever possible we want to ensure we play a part in enhancing local life.

“There is a lot of truth in the old cliche that a healthy person is a happy person and we believe that this facility will definitely contribute to the health and therefore the well being of our students and the wider community.”