A talented photography student's passion for football and new-found love for his hometown non-league club will come into sharp focus tonight.
Peter Cantwell, 21, joined Runcorn Linnets as a club cameraman in November as part of his university course.
Although his assignment has now officially ended, he has enjoyed his involvement with Linnets so much that he is staying on.
Now a small sample of his best work since arriving at the club, where he is part of a three-person team of dedicated volunteer photographers, is going on show to supporters at the club's ground.
Titled Colours of the APEC, this small exhibition gives an insight into the sense of community at the fan-owned Pitching In Northern Premier League West club.
Runcorn-born Peter had lived in the town all his life before heading off to the University of Chester, where he is in the second year of three.
He is now dreaming of a career in football photography.
Peter said: "My interest in photography actually started from graphic design as I had studied graphic design since I was 13.
"The best way I can put it is through studying graphic design for 7 years, I found my love of photography.
"For one of my graphic projects at uni, I had to take my own photos with a camera and I’ve been in love with photography since!
"I started photography with the Linnets back in November as for my course I had to complete 80 hours of work experience and I’ve always wanted to photograph football in any context.
"I’m so grateful for the opportunity the Linnets have given me.
"I had finished the hours I needed for uni a few games back now. But I couldn’t leave this club.
"Not only had I fallen in love with what I do, I fell in deeply in love with the club and everyone involved with it, I’ve never felt so welcomed by a group of people before.
"The photos I’ve been taking have helped too, I love the feeling of looking back through my photos and seeing an absolute banger."
The selection of Peter's photographs will be displayed in the MDB Gas Clubhouse at the APEC Taxis Stadium at this evening's Cheshire Senior Cup semi-final against Hyde United (kick off 7.45pm).
He explained: "The Colours of the APEC is a very small curation of some of my photos since I started here at the Linnets that celebrates the community between everyone at the club, from the players to the staff to the fans.
"The reason I am doing this exhibition is as part of a module at uni where I need to exhibit some work outside of the uni premises.
"I thought it was the perfect opportunity to bring some of the best photos I have taken to life.
"The whole inspiration for the project, and therefore most of the photos, come from the draw against Vauxhall Motors, the first game in charge for the new management team (Brad Cooke and assistant Rob Sadler).
"I still remember the Shed End chanting 'We’ve got our club back' like it was yesterday and it was at that moment that I really felt the atmosphere of the stadium come to life.
"The photo I took after the game of a few of the lads walking off with the 'By the fans for the fans' flag is by far and away my favourite photo and also the main photo for the curation.
"I knew the moment I pressed the shutter on my camera I had caught near enough the perfect photo that shows what it means to be a Linnet.
"The title of the exhibition I actually nicked off one of the clubs twitter or “x” posts with some of my photos of the flags around the stadium.
"When I saw it I thought it was a really interesting name as it means much more than it seems on the surface. The colours of the APEC aren’t just yellow and green, it’s the people, who bring the colours alive."
Peter's ultimate ambition is to travel the world as a professional photographer and to capture on camera the essence of the global game.
"I’m absolutely obsessed with football from the actual sport, to the kits, to the stadiums - I love everything to do with the game - and being a part of Linnets has given me a deeper inspiration of the sport altogether and what it means to be apart of a football club," he added.
"The idea of being able to visit football clubs and stadiums across England and possibly even the world and photograph it all as a career is an absolute dream of mine."
Peter Cartledge, chairman of Runcorn Linnets said: "We are fortunate to have some brilliant volunteers at the club and Peter is certainly one of them.
"We are delighted that he has decided because of his enjoyment at being associated with the club to stay involved although he has completed the hours which were stipulated as part of his studies.
"He has quickly embraced and understood what Runcorn Linnets are all about and has captured all that on camera with some outstanding photography.
"I am sure that our fans will appreciate the way in which Peter's fantastic matchday images encapsulate the team spirit, which we have built here and makes our club very special."
Runcorn Linnets are always keen to welcome new volunteers.
If you are able to assist in any capacity with matchday operations or to can offer your time during the week, please contact our volunteer co-ordinator Tracey Tinsley, e-mail Tracey.Daley@runcornlinnetsfc.co.uk
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