A photographer is to display work after a visit to Africa where he taught children.

Julian Claxton, 34, spent three weeks in rural Uganda and took film cameras and donations with him to teach photography to the children of Eden Standard Preparatory School.

It was the first time the Ugandan children had picked up a camera and for many of the aspiring photographers, they were the first in their family to have used any photographic equipment.

Eden school is 12 miles from the border with Rwanda and has 84 pupils from the small local community, many of whom are orphans.

The children were given 35mm cameras and were provided with the opportunity to take photographs of their life and the things important to them.

The photography was such a success at the school that it has now been added to the timetable and, thanks to ongoing donations and support, the children continue to learn about photography and get their images developed.

Speaking about his experience, Mr Claxton said: 'Visiting their homes, I trekked for miles over hills and into valleys. I was the first white man to have visited these families and it was such a privilege and gave me an insight into their life.

'The moment when the school door opened and the children came, seeing their photographs on display was probably one of the proudest and most thrilling of my life. Their faces lit up with excitement and wonderment and, from my point of view, it was thrilling to see a real insight into their lives.'

The exhibition runs at the Forum on Millennium Plain until Saturday, August 8.

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