Keith Gillard's award-winning image of Danny Hollands

Keith Gillard recognised for picture of Danny Hollands’ goal against Preston North End

To send a link to this page to a friend, simply enter their email address below.

The message will include the name and email address you gave us when you signed up.

Email address

  Send link

To send a link to this page to a friend, you must be logged in.

Kentish Times and London24 sports photographer Keith Gillard has spoken of his pride at winning a prestigious industry gong and admits the news came as a total surprise.

The 49-year-old, who has been a keen snapper since his teenage years, won the top prize in the ‘ball sport’ category in the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers’ (SWPP) annual awards.

Gillard, who has contributed images to the Kentish Times for more than 20 years, was recognised by the judges for a picture of Charlton Athletic midfielder Danny Hollands scoring with a diving header in the 5-1 victory over Preston North End on November 5.

“I had submitted two or three throughout the year, but they need to be unusual ones to win. A ball in a goal doesn’t quite do it for the judges,” said Gillard, who has previously been named Non-League Photographer of the Year by the FA for a picture of former Welling United player Ray Burroughs.

“I found out I’d won last Friday. I was proud and also very surprised as I didn’t think the Hollands picture was weird enough, but I’m glad to have won.”

Kentish Times sports editor Iain Liddle said: “Keith has been a fantastic help to me in the past year and I am glad his fine work has been recognised with this award.

“Whether covering football, rugby or cricket, his photos are always a joy to look at and bring life to the pages in our papers.”