After an unbroken 13-year stint on the same weekly paid-for, a female chief photographer is off to pastures new.

Sarah Gaunt, left, stepped down as chief photographer on the Basingstoke Gazette last week in order to set up her own freelance business.

Mum-of-two Sarah initially qualified as a photographer at Norton College, Sheffield, under legendary photography tutor Paul Delmar, before joining the Gazette in 2001.

She returned to the college in 2007, when she passed the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) press photographers’ exam.

Said Sarah: “Currently, I run the photographic department at the Basingstoke Gazette, as well as also going out and about photographing various news/business/sport stories and advertising features, ready for that week’s newspaper.

“Away from the Basingstoke Gazette, I photograph Weddings, Portraits, Events, Commercial and PR stuff.

“As I am due to celebrate my 33rd birthday on Wednesday (May 21), I just felt the time was right to branch out on my own, and hopefully enjoy some quality family time as well.

“So, I will be leaving the Basingstoke Gazette at the end of May, to concentrate on my own photography business.”

Sarah’s Dad, Ken Gaunt, a semi-retired sports writer, formerly from PA, said he was immensely proud of his daughter and all that she had achieved.

Sarah has already set up a new website to promote her business ‘Sarah Gaunt Photography.’

Added Sarah: “I can offer a wide range of services to suit individuals, families and the business community locally in Basingstoke, and you can trust me to be professional, punctual, and creative.

To visit Sarah’s new website go to http://www.photoboxgallery.com/sarahgauntphotos