A former Western Morning News photographer has been named Canon Photojournalist of the Year 2002.

Simon Burt won the title at the British Environment and Media Awards held at Vinopolis in London.

Simon, (42), worked at the Western Morning News for four years as a staff photographer and deputy picture editor.

He left the paper in 1997 and has worked for South West photo agency Apex News and Pictures for the past five years.

His winning photograph, Grim Reaper, was taken in a field of maize in Dorset during a protest against genetically modified crops.

It was used on the front page of The Independent and has been published by several other newspapers and magazines since.

He was presented with a glass trophy at the awards ceremony which was hosted by comedian Alistair McGowan.

Judges said the photograph "has an immediate impact and needs no explanation".

Simon said: "I'm very pleased. It is a great honour to win and particularly nice that the award was sponored by Canon as I use their equipment."

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