Pictures taken by Lincolnshire Echo photographers Richard Addison (pictured standing) and Ben Birchall (pictured sitting) have been chosen from thousands of entries to feature in an exhibition.

The Pictures for the Future exhibition, run in conjunction with Sky Television's History Channel, aims to illustrate the world in the year 2000.

Richard (37), of Sleaford, has been a professional photographer for 12 years but said he was still surprised when his picture - of a Dunkirk veteran - was chosen.

"I was in the right place at the right time to take the picture," he said.

"The veteran was involved in the evacuation at Dunkirk 60 years ago.

"He went to inspect a soldier who had taken part in a re-enactment which had followed In the veterans' footsteps. It was an historic moment and the picture just looked good to me.

"It's a great buzz for my work to be recognised. I have done displays before but I have never been involved in anything like this."

Ben (27), of West End, Lincoln, has been a professional photographer for only 10months, although his interest in photography started when he was 18.

He found out about the exhibition through the Lincoln library, in Free School Lane, and decided to enter a picture he had taken of 12-year-old John Croad, who suffers from autism, engrossed in his Pokemon computer game.

"I chose this picture because it seemed to fit the theme of the exhibition," said Ben.

"Autistic children tend to focus on objects rather than people and I saw this as illustrative of the way the world is going.

"Children, whether they are autistic or not, become fixated with electronic games rather than focusing on individuals.

"In years to come, this picture will be a poignant reminder of such changing relationships."

Ben, who had an exhibition at Grimsby Library when he was a student, said he did not think his picture would be chosen.

"I was surprised because it was not a technically brilliant picture but I think the idea behind it was very fitting for the exhibition," he said.

Exhibitions will be held in 12 regions in England and in Ireland throughout the autumn.

Ben's picture will be on display at the Whitby Heritage Centre in Barnsley and Richard's at Belper Library in Derbyshire, until Tuesday, October 31.

The Lincoln exhibition will be held at Lincoln library, in Free School Lane, until Saturday, October 14.

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