A NORTH-East photographer has been shortlisted for a global award.

Paul Kingston, who works for North News and Pictures, is in the running for The Guardian’s Agency Photographer of the Year prize for his autumnal picture taken in the Scottish glens showing a steam train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous by its appearance carrying the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films.

Judges commented that Mr Kingston, of Teesdale, County Durham, “captures the beauty of northern landscapes with his painterly images”.

Mr Kingston said: “I am chuffed to bits, it is such a great honour.

“Because of the way The Guardian judges run the competition you don’t enter at all, so it was a complete surprise when I opened an ordinary looking email to see the message.

“I love taking landscapes and country scenes and especially in wilder weather.”

North News and Pictures managing director Ted Ditchburn said Mr Kingston was an exceptional talent.

The winner of the contest will be announced on Monday, December 29.