A RYEDALE photographer has taken over the walls of The Sun Inn, in Pickering, to help raise funds for a local project.

In his first exhibition, Pickering resident Rob Townsend is showcasing a range of black and white photographs, with proceeds from all sales going to Newbridge Park, the community project to renovate and maintain a range of outdoor facilities for cyclists and walkers in the formerly neglected woodland near Pickering Castle.

An IT management consultant by trade, Rob has been studying part-time for a photography degree since 2013 and specialises in black and white photography.

Most of the 20 photographs included in the Places and People exhibition were taken in Pickering and the surrounding area, with a few from further afield. Signed editions of all of the photographs are available to buy.

Rob said: “I’m delighted to have my work on display at The Sun Inn. It’s my local and they’ve already been fantastic in helping Newbridge Park raise funds through events like quiz nights.

“Once they started inviting local artists to take over their function room for a month at a time for exhibitions, I jumped at the chance to show my work – and hopefully raise a few quid for Newbridge Park at the same time.”

The exhibition is at The Sun Inn, Westgate, Pickering, until April 30.