A popular press photographer’s service to a cancer charity has received Royal recognition.

Bob Wallace found himself on the other side of a camera lens last week when he received a surprise award from Princess Anne during her visit to Strathcarron Hospice, near Falkirk, where she is official Visitor.

The Falkirk Herald photographer was presented with a commemorative certificate for service to the hospice.

The commendation was a complete surprise to 64-year-old Bob, who hangs up his camera for good at the end of the month.

He said: “I knew I was going to be here as a guest but I didn’t know I was getting this certificate.

“I thought they were inviting me because it was the last time I would be at a royal visit.

“I’m very honoured. It’s nice that Strathcarron Hospice and the Princess thought so much of what I have done, even though it’s just a part of my job – a very enjoyable part of my job.”

During their meeting, Bob and the Princess reminisced about the first time he took her picture – 34 years ago in Livingston.

He said: “I had checked and told her that the first time I took a photograph of her was on August 18, 1970, when she was just a lassie.

“She said she remembered that time and she wished me well in my retirement.”

The long-serving photographer has worked for Johnston (Falkirk) Limited for 36 years, including spells at the Livingston Post, Linlithgowshire Journal and Gazette as well as The Falkirk Herald.

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