Cameras will be fixed on former Watford Observer photographer Mike Dellow when he celebrates his 80th birthday next weekend.

Mike became widely known in the area while working for the paper from 1962 to 1967 and then again from 1983 to 1989. He also worked on the Watford Post and was Photographic Editor on the Evening Echo in Hemel Hempstead.

He always had a great fondfness for Hertfordshire and Watford and Bushey in particular and took great joy from his photographs of the ever changing urban landcape. Since retiring to Lincolnshire in 2002 he has continued to keep up to speed with events in the area by reading the Watford Observer on-line (www.watfordobserver.co.uk).

During hie leisure time, Mike continues his hobby of rebuilding motorcycles and cars. He also has a love of boats and is looking forward to spending his 80th birthday on the Norfolk Broads with his wife, Jo.

A family gathering will follow in Lincolnshire. Mike and Jo have three children still living in south west Hertfordshire, Kath, Sally and Nick, while their brother Richard lives in Somerset. Their partners are Richard, Costas, Yves and Hayley.

They have seven grandchildren, Charlotte, Sammy, Hannah, Tom, Molly, Aimee and Seth.

Daughter Kathy said: “Dad's family and friends wish him a very happy 80th birthday and continued good health and happiness for many years to come.”