Photographer Elliott Franks is no stranger to awards — and he has just been given another.

Mr Franks is best known for his press photography, predominantly specialising in live music, arts and politics. But over the past five years he has also volunteered his skills to the Surrey Community Development Trust — of which the Countess of Wessex is the patron — and the charity is now thanking him with an “Outstanding Commitment” award.

Mr Franks, who is in his mid-40s, tells People: “I didn’t expect to get an award. I have been volunteering for more than 20 years as it is a good way of putting something back into the community. To help an organisation have excellent quality imagery that they can use to project themselves is great.”

East End-based Mr Franks has been a professional photographer since 1999. What has been the highlight? “I have snapped everyone you can imagine but the highlight for any freelance photographer is when you get a front page.” His picture of Rowan Atkinson as Fagan in Oliver! made the front page of The Times at the end of last year. Mr Franks is interested in current affairs and is often commissioned to snap royal and political events.

He regularly works with charities, either as a photographer, a press consultant or a volunteer. He has exhibited his work in a number of shows over the years, including a display at the House of Lords in 2006 which celebrated the 200th anniversary of Rainer — the national charity for under-supported young people.