A MILITARY photographer scored a hat-trick of awards.


Lee Matthews, who is from Cirencester and works as photographer for the RAF, won the awards for his powerful winter sports shots.


He won first place in the Video Category of the internal RAF photography competition for capturing air force staff competing in the annual Inter Services Ice Sports Championships in La Plagne.


His next award was second place in the Sports catagory for his photo (pictured) of female skeleton specialist Flight Lieutenant Smith on the final run of her medal attempt at the same competition.


Flt Lt Smith had a heavily bruised eye after hurtling into a corner the day before, but with true RAF grit opted to carry on.


In the open category Lee managed third place for his shot of a RAF snowboarder flying through the air in Meribel, France.


Lee is part of the Defence Mobile News Team at RAF Halton, and clearly enjoys his job.


He said: “Once a year I get to photograph the NFL games in Wembley that's by far my favourite thing to cover though I enjoy capturing any sports be it bobsleigh or tennis.”