County's sparkling jewels in photo spotlight

While many folk immediately bring to mind a county characterised by industries like those in the Potteries, Noel Bennett says there are many more treasures to discover, such as the natural beauty of its sweeping hills and valleys, and jewels such as Cannock Chase and the Staffordshire Moorlands.

"With plenty of places to visit, Staffordshire truly is a great county in which to live," he said.

"Photography has always played an important part in my life, from a 12-framed Kodak 120 film in a Box Brownie back in the 1960s, to the success and rewards I enjoy today with my faithful Nikon.

"I grew up in Weston Coyney, a suburb of Stoke-on-Trent. With Park Hall Country Park on my doorstep, this is where I regularly used to walk the family dog, called Scottie. I guess this gave me a taste for exploration and an appreciation of the great outdoors.

"Frequent family outings to the countryside for walks and picnics spurred me on. As my interest in photography grew my camera became my constant companion while exploring the beautiful world around me. I believe this is one of the reasons why photography has become so popular today – a form of appreciation and escape maybe.

"In 1985 when I married, we moved to Stone and had two sons. As a family we enjoyed discovering the many interesting destinations in and around Staffordshire.

"Almost all the photographic locations chosen for this book are the result of multiple visits made at different times of day and through all seasons. Seeing the ever-changing light does tend to make my aspirations that little more challenging.

"I appreciate that there is still so much for me to explore."

Staffordshire In Photographs is published by Amberley and costs £17.99.