A HIDDEN lake in West Dorset found by a Weymouth pensioner is now in pride of place in a new photographic book.

Alan Parkes, of Chapelhay, is delighted that his landscape image has been selected for Dorset: A Photographic Journey in an Olympic Year.

Not only does the Dorset Echo’s annual publication feature the usual impressive land and seascapes but also a special section of souvenir shots from this summer’s Olympic and Paralympic sailing events.

Mr Parkes, 81, said: “It’s a lovely book, really well done.

“I know someone who wants it for Christmas.

“I’ve never had my photos published in a book before.

“I’m an amateur photographer, I took a snapshot of the lake and it seemed to work.”

Mr Parkes, who is a member of the Weymouth Camera Club, captured his shot of The Hidden Lake in Littlebredy in autumn 2010 using a Camera Pentax X90.

He added: “I took quite a few photos, I’ve only got a small camera.”

Dorset: A Photographic Journey in an Olympic Year, which costs £14.95, comes hot on the heels of another special souvenir publication produced by the Echo to commemorate 2012.

More than 1,000 copies of When the World came to Weymouth, priced at £3.95, have already been sold.

Both books are available from the Dorset Echo offices on the Granby Industrial Estate, Weymouth and in Antelope Walk, Dorchester and the Bridport News office in East Street.