A Watford photography student has had his work showcased on the Deputy Prime Minister’s Christmas card.

James Gourley, of Cassiobury Drive, was given access to Nick Clegg during his by-election and local election campaign tour this year.

However one of his images has become famous after the Liberal Democrat leader allowed his kids to make some digital additions before selecting it for his official Christmas card.

Mr Gourley recently graduated from the University of the Arts London and his following Mr Clegg was part of his final project.

The 21-year-old said: "I have been following Nick Clegg on and off since February. I had previously followed Brian Paddick for a week, so I knew a few people from that.

I put the idea forward to Sal Brinton and she put me in touch with the Liberal Democrat office. I went to most of his by-election and local election visits and I went to the BBC with him. It’s been
pretty cool."

Mr Gourley was invited to Mr Clegg’s home to take some candid shots of the Liberal Democrat leader and his wife.

The former Rickmansworth School student added: "They gave me quite good access to him and kept inviting me back. One of his advisers got in touch with me and invited me to do a shoot at
Nick Clegg’s house. He said they might end up using one for his Christmas card."

Mr Clegg’s children were then allowed to draw over a digital version of one of the pcitures to give it a Christmassy touch, which was then selected for the card.

Mr Gourley said: "They sent it over to me and I thought it was great. I’ve known for a little while now and have just been quietly laughing to myself. Now I can finally talk about it."