SNAPPER HAPPY

A photography student who won a seat on an overland expedition says it was the experience of a lifetime. Josh Horwood travelled in a Toyota Land Cruiser and Range Rover deep into the Alps along mountain tracks, taking pictures to add to his portfolio: “It provided a base of images to create a portfolio which I can then use to approach potential employers,” said Josh, a third-year student at London College of Communication.

Sponsored this year by 4×4 tour company Atlas Overland, the trek was Josh’s reward for beating off a challenge from 30 other students, shortlisted to seven. Eventually, Josh found himself in the fi nal three, and his attitude and samples of his work won over the judges.

“Josh was just who we’d been looking for,” said Peter Girling, who runs Atlas Overland and jointly launched the scheme. “He was keen as mustard and had the energy and enthusiasm needed to take some stunning pictures. I hope he benefi ts from the experience.”

The trip ran south from Calais into southern France, over old trade routes, then up into Italian mountain villages at the base of a 10,000-feet glacier. On the return trip, the route took in an off-road driving site at Val d’Isere before heading, via Mont Blanc, back to the ferry.

The initiative will be run again next year, at another college or university, with another amazing trip available to the most promising student.

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