The tale of Martin Clunes, a lion and my ruined suede shoes!

Last minute phone call today – please could I drop everything and get down to the Royal Bath hotel to photograph Martin Clunes and a lion?

Yeah, Ok – so I dutifully loaded my camera bag and headed down there.

The story involved cast lions decorated by artists being placed around town in aid of Born Free. I’d previously seen similar art projects in Manchester (Cows) and London (Elephants) so I knew what to expect.

So there we are in the surf, Martin Clunes being a great sport with the Lion and getting his feet and trousers wet.

Martin’s encouraging myself and Corin the Echo photographer to come closer into the surf – “Love to but I’m wearing suede shoes” I replied.

"Come on, get closer" say Martin Clunes

Anyway, long story short – my suede shoes are now wrecked after I decided that I really did want to go in closer for a wide angle shot.

Never mind, that’s the price for getting the shot.

Official - sea water isn't good for suede shoes