The Western Daily Press has paid tribute to veteran photographer Fran Stothard, who celebrated 30 years of working for the company and 30 years of covering the Taunton area.

Editor Andy Wright, and several of Fran’s colleagues, all of whom had worked with him at Taunton, sprang a surprise celebration dinner on him at a Taunton restaurant.

Fran, (pictured), started his career just up the M5 at Dursley, with the South Gloucestershire Gazette, but made the move south soon after passing his NCTJ exams to work for the Bristol Evening Post, when it had a Taunton office, and for the Western Daily Press.

He and his wife, Rose, live at Bishop’s Hull just outside Taunton.

He has covered all the major events in the area including the Glastonbury Festival since its inception.