Picture paradise

Photo: Steve Haddican

A stunning Dovestone sunset captured by Steve Haddican

A group of amateur photographers who met on the web have produced a striking book to show off the beauty of Saddleworth.

These stunning shots are taken from “Simply Saddleworth”, the idea of keen photographer Steve Haddican, (51), who noticed that a Saddleworth and Surroundings group on photo-uploading website Flickr had a large number of devotees.

Steve said: “People have become more aware of photography and Flickr lets you exhibit your work and show people what you can do.”

There are now almost 3,000 photos online, and the finished book shows off the best of the bunch.

Steve said: “It is really good stuff, I’m really proud. It just shows what talent there is around this area.

“There are so many picturesque places in Saddleworth. You have to get there for the right light, but it’s really great to get on to the tops around Dovestone.”

Dobcross Village Community has donated £500 to help to print the book, with proceeds from sales going to Oldham Mountain Rescue and Saddleworth Museum.

The group’s members — which despite their shared interest had never met until recently — plan to organise an exhibition of the photos later in the year.

The book will be on sale from the end of the week at Saddleworth Museum, Delph Post Office, Brownhill Countryside Centre and other local shops. Email stevehaddican@yahoo.com to get your copy.