A photo taken by an Auchinleck woman has been selected to appear in an exhibition headed up by The Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton to showcase the UK in lockdown.

The Hold Still Exhibition features 100 portraits which capture special moments taken over the last six months – and local photographer Lesley Garven was delighted to see her photo, Long Awaited Cuddle, make the cut.

Lesley, 42, said: “I was over the moon. It feels amazing that it’s been chosen out of 31,000 photos, it really is an honor.

“The picture was taken of my mum, Catherine Garven, and my niece, Grace Ferguson. We met when we could meet outside but had to keep our social distance. However we were just desperate for a cuddle so I made what we call ‘the cuddle blanket’.

“It was plastic separating us and we had long vet examining gloves on so we could have the cuddle but not be touching at the same time.

“Lockdown has made me appreciate the simple things in life, like being able to cuddle your family.”