A HALSTEAD care home has shown off a resident's stunning snaps to mark World Photography Day.

Care UK’s Colne View, in Dame Mary Walk, showcased the work of Peter Kluss, 72.

Mr Kluss grew up on a farm and has fond memories of exploring the surrounding woods, which led to his lifelong love of nature.  

He had always lived an active lifestyle until he had a stroke at the age of 57 and found himself constrained to a wheelchair with the use of only one side of his body. 

Determined to improve his mental health, he decided to find a new hobby, that still embraced the nature around him, and purchased his first-ever camera.

As Mr Kluss adapted to spending time in the garden in his wheelchair, he began to appreciate the outdoors from a new and fascinating perspective, teaching himself photography to record what he saw.  

He visited beauty spots including the Fennes, Fingringhoe Nature Reserve and Hanningfield Reservoir.

It was a visit to Hanningfield Reservoir that landed him a picture of the Lapwing, a bird he had always hoped to capture.  

When he moved to Colne View, the team instantly noticed his love for nature photography.

He now spends most of his day either watching and photographing the birds from the home’s lounge window or from the purpose-built area of the garden which is dedicated to attracting the birds. 

To mark World Photography Day this year, the team assisted Mr Kluss in setting up an exhibition of his photographs, with residents and their families invited to attend.

The exhibition saw residents have their own turn behind the camera with a photo booth session. 

He said: “I had a great day hosting the exhibition of my photographs for World Photography Day and it was a joy to share my work with my friends.

"I have the ideal setup at Colne View – I've been able to capture a wide variety of birds which I haven’t before, such as the nuthatch and blackcap, and I see something different every day.

"Watching the birds all day does wonders for my mental health, and I sometimes spot a few squirrels, too."

Home manager Monica Boldeata added: “The exhibition was a lot of fun for residents and their families, particularly the photo booth. 

“The event brought everyone together, sparking conversations as the residents admired Peter’s work.

"Seeing Peter’s work displayed in the home brought a smile to everyone’s face and it was a great way for Peter to share his hobby with both the residents and visitors.”