BRECON-based soldier Cpl Tom Evans has won the video category in the Army Photographic Competition for a clip entitled Airborne Mortars.

Cpl Evans is a professional Army photographer in the Royal Logistic Corps based with 160th Infantry Brigade at Brecon Barracks.

The video was filmed during time he spent with 3 PARA mortar platoon.

"I won the same category in 2015 and it’s nice to know that wasn’t a one-off fluke," said 32-year-old Tom. "I think it’s important to have a vision of what you want before you go out to shoot any video. I’m quite surprised to win because the standard of videos, across the trade, is exceptional.

"My wife’s obviously very proud and it’s an honour to be recognised in this way," said Tom, who lives in Brecon with wife Jennifer and daughters Lily and Sophie.

He added: "I’d like to thank 3 PARA mortar platoon for being so positive in providing what I needed to make the video work because that’s half the battle, getting those you are filming to buy into the concept."

Originally from Newbury in Berkshire, Tom joined the Army in 2003 at the age of 17. He joined his local Infantry Regiment - The Royal Gloucestershire Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment (RGBW) where he completed public duties such as guarding Buckingham Palace and also served in Kenya, Kosovo and Afghanistan.

The RGBW was then amalgamated with others to form The Rifles, with whom Tom went on to complete two more tours of Afghanistan as well as the Falkland Islands.

Initially posted to Joint Information Activities Group (JIAG) Tom travelled to Canada, Iraq and Ukraine conducting Media Operations. JIAG being a centre for excellence in video, it was here he developed his eye for this discipline.

Tom was also the Prime Minister’s official photographer from June to December 2016, photographing major events from behind the scenes within Downing Street and across the world.

"Joining the Armed Forces is the best decision I ever made and I would recommend it to anyone," said Tom. "I have been paid to travel the world and have had incredible experiences. I would encourage anyone already serving with an interest in photography to transfer to the Army Photographic trade. It really is the best job in the world."

Tom’s videos, over the last six months, have gained audiences beyond five million.

Tom was presented with his prize by Chief of the General Staff General Sir Nicholas Carter at a ceremony held at the prestigious Imperial War Museum, London, on Wednesday (October 25), where a display of the winning images is being hosted.

Tom was presented with his prize by Chief of the General Staff General Sir Nicholas Carter at a ceremony held at the Imperial War Museum in London.

Civilian photographer Ian Griffiths, who is based at the Dering Lines camp in Brecon, won the Professional Category Soldiering award at the same ceremony.