THE husband of an artist whose work was last year chosen to appear in a prestigious exhibition is now celebrating the same achievement.

Wivenhoe photographer Richard Hayward has had his photograph The Swan, taken in Mistley, accepted for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, whose other artists have included the likes of Tracey Emin.

Last year Richard’s wife Alison Stockmarr had her collage, A Stirling Book for Girls, on show at the exhibition.

Richard, 58, whose passion is black and white photographs, said: “I entered two photographs, one got through so I am delighted.”

It is the first time he has entered the event but was inspired after visiting the London venue to see Alison’s work last year.

Richard’s work is one of the 1,583 on display, selected from more than 16,000 entries.