He has been responsible for launching hundreds of careers in press photography – but today college lecturer Paul Delmar is in the spotlight.

Paul has taught the flagship Press Photography and Photojournalism course at Norton College, Sheffield and its predecessor Richmond College for the past 30 years.

Last night he won the Lifetime Achievement category of the Learning and Skills Improvement Service STAR Awards which aims to honour the ‘unsung heroes’ of further education

The awards celebrate dedicated and inspirational staff who have ‘made a difference,’ and helped students to achieve their full potential.

Said Paul: “I feel honoured, thrilled and shocked. I am more used to being behind a camera than in front of one. This is tremendous recognition for Sheffield, the college and my students.

“Seeing my students develop their talent, confidence and skills, and secure jobs in such a competitive industry, in itself is immensely rewarding. This award is further confirmation that it’s all been worth it.”

Andrew Cropley, executive director of Norton College, said: “Paul is highly respected and motivated, has absolute dedication and inspires his students to succeed and excel.

“This award is fantastic recognition of everything that Paul and his learners have achieved during his long career. I am absolutely thrilled for him.”

The Norton College course is the only one of its kind in the country accredited by the industry training body, the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

Of the 1,000 plus students who have trained with Paul, around half have either won or been runners-up in industry awards.

Comments

LP (27/11/2009 09:41:05)
A very richly deserved award for a highly committed guy who consistently turns out quality trainees for the industry. Well done Paul!

Allan Colley (27/11/2009 10:42:55)
Well done Paul. You couldn’t have done it without us! Super Techs. x

Martin Edmunds (27/11/2009 11:37:22)
The best news I have had all year. Richly deserved recognition for one of the industry’s really nice guys.

Paul Bernhardt (27/11/2009 11:57:40)
I’m from the class of ’90 and your skill, dedication and humour helped guide me successfully through the course at Richmond. Congratulations Paul. Keep up the good work.

Unhappysnapper (27/11/2009 16:26:33)
Well done Paul! From me and all of you other countless rapscallians, fruit bats and plonkersauruses! We couldn’t have done it without you!

Ian Day (27/11/2009 16:50:55)
Well done Paul! You taught us all very well. My year at Stradbroke still brings back great memories.

Paul Bernhardt (30/11/2009 10:51:05)
When I typed my comment I meant Stradbroke in Sheffield and not Richmond in London, where I attended an earlier course. But anyway, congratulations to you Paul. Well done!

Simon Pizzey (30/11/2009 20:00:29)
Congratulations Paul! Twenty four years since I left the course, most of the scars have healed!Still employed,(today) and watching my back as you taught me too.Nearly got the hang of fill in flash.

Alex Severn (01/12/2009 12:51:44)
Well done Paul! Yor are a legend, One Nil

Matthew Page (01/12/2009 13:27:14)
Top Work paul! You only get out of life what you put in and you have certainly proved that!
Brilliant :0)

Brian Bould (02/12/2009 15:21:31)
I’ve always felt you should have had the award for your ties alone ! Now that’s a lifetime achievement !

Chris Radburn (08/12/2009 12:31:06)
Well deserved congratulations Paul…thanks for the leg up, class of 96/97.

Jake Oakley (10/12/2009 12:19:16)
Well done Paul! Top marks for a top guy!

jane parr (06/01/2010 13:11:47)
Extremely well deserved, without the NCTJ course Paul runs I would not have acheived as much as I have over the last twelve years. 3 awards and a lot of great times in the business. Now to teach what I’ve learnt, any pointers Paul?

Jayne Emsley (01/02/2010 17:39:11)
Well done Mr Delmar!! You really deserve this award!! Lots of love from one of your many ‘Fruit-bats’ :oD xxx

adam holt (16/02/2010 10:20:42)
Congrats Paul! Its about time you recieved some recognition for your fantastic contribution to the industry. Your sayings ring true everyday and your ties gave me an eye for colour. Thanks

Lloyd Ellington (17/06/2010 14:27:14)
A top award for a top gezzer. Congratulations Paul. :O)