POPULAR award-winning local photographer Graham Reading has died at the age of 62.

Graham's photos were often used in the County Press, from his own project reimagining Old Masters paintings to cheer everyone up during lockdown, to the RAF Chinook helicopter flying in on exercise to support the IW NHS Trust during the pandemic.

Graham, of Ryde, could often be seen at major Island events, such as backstage at the Isle of Wight Festival, snapping away on his beloved camera.

He was originally from Ealing. His parents owned a prep school in London and after his school years he went to Swansea University.

It was here he met his wife of 36 years, Katrina.

For a while he was a display advertising salesman for the South Wales Evening Post and enjoyed weekend work as a wedding photographer.

In the 1980s he moved to London and trained as a primary school teacher, starting off at his parents' school.

His passion was photography though, and he took every opportunity to freelance for the Slough and Windsor Observer, eventually becoming a popular society photographer.

His shots from high profile events would regularly appear in OK! Magazine.

He went full-time with his photography in 1995 and covered events such as the weddings of the Earl and Countess of Wessex and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

He was known for taking along his trusty ladder, nicknamed Larry.

His favourite photos were those he took of ballet dancers in glorious locations.

He and the family moved to the Isle of Wight eight years ago, where Graham devotedly looked after his mother Phyllis, who was disabled, and who died age 95 in April. It was from his mother he had inherited his passion for photography.

Graham was a devout Christian, attending Ryde Elim Church, and a talented trumpet player.

He leaves his wife and their daughter Hannah.

A funeral service is to be arranged.