Images taken by Colby photographer Dave Silvester have won an international photography competition.

A stunning shot of a bride and groom at Niarbyl at sunset and a beautiful woman in a bright red evening dress taken at Sorrento earned him wedding photographer of the year and portrait photographer of the year respectively in the competition run by professional photographers’ organisation Photo-training Overseas.

Dave, who went to the awards ceremony in Mexico after discovering his work had been shortlisted out of hundreds submitted, said he was ’shocked and stunned’ at the awards.

Prizes were vouchers for printing worth £2,000.

This was a very welcome boon after several challenging years.

Dave said that he has worked hard in recent years to rebuild his business and reputation after being taken to court by a former client who claimed £30,000 in compensation.

He successfully fought the claim in court, but it is taking years to regain his status.

He has diversified and built a photographic holiday business, Photography Escapes, sharing his knowledge built up since he started out in photography in 1977.

Dave said: ’Life is now fantastic.

’We’re busy in studio, with the holidays and local photographers coming to workshops.

’It’s been a complete turn around.’