Yorkshire Post photographer scoops top award

Mr Hulme, 50, who has worked for the paper since 2001, was named Business Photographer of the Year at the UK Picture Editors's Guild Awards.

Another of the paper’s photographers, James Hardisty, 48, was highly commended in the same category, at the awards in London, yesterday evening.

Mr Hulme’s winning selection included a stunning shot of a lone poppy pictured by Eggborough Power Station in North Yorkshire and a unique image of Barry Brown pictured in Fortune Kippers, the smokehouse in Whitby.

"When I was taking a shot of the power station closing down I spotted the poppy. I honed in on that and created moody lighting to add to the atmospheric quality of the picture," he said.

The top accolade was the talented photographers 18th major award including being named Regional Photographer of the Year in 2005 and 2017.

Mr Hulme said: "I am delighted to win this award. It is the Oscars of press photography awards.

"This one was particularly special as I was up against national newspaper photographers - so it mean a lot to come out on top.

"To be judged the best is a good feeling."

Yorkshire Post deputy editor Ian Day added: "This accolade demonstrates the true dedication and skill in producing top class photography for The Yorkshire Post.

"Both Simon and James produced excellent portfolios and they both deserve the honours from these awards."

Mr Hulme’s father Mel Hulme was a noted photographer on the Yorkshire Evening Post until his retirement.

Mr Hardisty, who's portfolio included a striking image of Professor James Gilbert, programme leader for Off Shore Wind Engineering at Hull University, said: "To be both nominated was brilliant and then have Simon come out on top really shows the standard we have working at the paper.

"These awards are like the Golden Globes of photography and it just shows what a strong team we have at The Yorkshire Post."

More than three hundred members of the press photography community attended the awards with the trophies being presented by the Labour Party Member of Parliament for Birmingham Yardley, Jess Philips. The evening was hosted by journalist and broadcaster, Kate Silverton.

Over four thousand pictures were entered by more than four hundred photographers. The entries were judged by a team of ten Picture Editors lead by industry veteran Lee Martin.

Mr Martin said: "The quality and variety of work submitted yet again this year was simply staggering there is so much talent out there and the UK really does lead the way.

"We need to work hard as an industry to make sure all these photographers get the exposure and credit they rightly deserve for their work."