THE News’ photographer Geoff Hall has hung up his camera after more than 40 years working across the Chard and Ilminster area.

Geoff, who also worked on our sister papers the Somerset County Gazette, Bridgwater Mercury and Burnham & Highbridge Weekly News, retired on Friday.

Swanmead School head teacher Mark Walker described Geoff’s enthusiasm and positivity as infectious.

He added: “In the time that I’ve known him, he’s always the same – he enters the school with that constant cheerful manner, genuinely excited about what he’s going to be photographing on that day.

“The pupils just love it when it’s him who comes to take their photo and he always has a chat to find out more about what they’ve been doing.

“It’s not just about taking a photograph and leaving with Geoff, he really does want to know the whole picture.

“He makes the moment into a proper occasion and fills the school with his zest for life. We thank Geoff for the occasions he has worked with us at Swanmead and wish him the very best in his future ventures.”

County councillor for Ilminster Linda Vijeh said: “If a picture tells a thousand words, then over the many years I have lived in the area, Geoff Hall has done a fantastic job of capturing me with all my strange exploits – he will be a hard act to follow.”