A Wem woman has spoken at her pride of her partner's use of wildlife photography to help combat his depression.

Shirley Davies, who lives in the town with her partner Brian Brookes, is a celebrated artist in her own right and the pair sell their respective works at craft fairs.

Brian began suffering with depression around three years ago after he lost his job but he took up photography and has not looked back since, much to Shirley's delight.

"I'm really proud of him," she said. "He gets out and has dealt with his depression with his own way.

"He has his odd day where he has a spell of anxiety but without the outdoor photography, he would nave been able to recover.

"He went out this week and got pictures foxes and badgers which are great. He says that having that hobby that gets him out of the house and into the outdoors really does help him.

"Brian does open up to me but he knows that when he's having a bad day, he can get out and take good pictures with his camera, and when he does he comes back happy.

"He was made redundant a few years ago and it hit him quite hard but the pictures really do help."

Brian added: "I would urge anyone who suffers to get out in the fresh air for a few hours – it does you the power of good.

"Shirley draws and paints;she's crazy about hares so we make a great team at craft fairs selling her art and my photography. Our goal is to give up the day job and do it full time – never say never.

"My goal has been to capture hares fighting and find a short-eared owl. I managed to capture both at Soulton Hall with in an hour – how good is that?

"Shirley helps to run events for Wem Crafters and our next event will be at Wem Town Hall on the March 9 – we can't wait."