Regional press photographer Veronique de Viguerie is set to return to Afghanistan next month - a year after she first travelled to the country on an assignment for the Lincolnshire Echo.

Veronique, who is originally from France, spent five days reporting from Kabul last year, and was so taken with the country she has decided to give up her job and take a three-month trip out there.

The 26-year-old (pictured) plans to spend her time freelancing for newspapers and magazines, and will cover Afghanistan's first democratic presidential election, which takes place in October.

She will also report on the living conditions for women and children in the country, and visit Afghan refugees at a brick-making factory in Pakistan.

Veronique said: "I was only in Afghanistan for a week before and really loved the country but felt I had not finished - there is a lot more to see and do.

"It was very frustrating - like someone had given you a bit of cake which was delicious, but then told you that you couldn't have any more."

Veronique has worked at the Lincolnshire Echo for the past two years, after studying photography in Sheffield, and won The Corporation of London Student Award at the Picture Editors' Awards 2003.

Last year she travelled to Afghanistan with reporter Ben Rooth to report on the work of the Royal Anglian Regiment as they attempted to restore peace in and around Kabul, but has spent most of her time closer to home, covering everyday items such as cheque presentations, school sports days and court snatches.

Veronique said: "I've really enjoyed my time at the Echo and have learned so much, but I feel it's time to do something else.

"If it goes well I'd like to go to other countries. I like spending time on a story, when you find a subject and then cover it from A to Z.

"It will be exactly the opposite of working at the Echo - from black to white. But it is exciting and also scary."

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