A Huddersfield soldier serving in Afghanistan is capturing history as the British relinquish security control in Helmand Province to the Afghan National Security Forces.

Sgt Paul Shaw, 28, a former pupil of Newsome High School, is an Army photographer based in Camp Bastion and is part of a three man Combat Camera Team (CCT).

The CCT consists of a team leader, photographer and video operator. They follow troops out on the ground and around various bases throughout Helmand, covering the transitional work and the handover of control to the Afghan National Security Forces.

Because of their military training the team can capture events across parts of Helmand Province where the mainstream media may not be able to go.

Paul joined the Royal Signals Corps 10 years ago, but switched to the Royal Logistics Corps in 2012 to pursue his passion for photography.

“I have always had a creative eye and an interest in photography,” he said.

“I had reached the top of my trade and had to either change trade or Corps in order to progress any further.”

In the UK Paul is based at the Defence Media Operations Centre (DMOC) at RAF Halton. This is home to an operational unit that deploys at short notice around the world.

In his spare time Paul enjoys climbing and martial arts, and also runs his own photography business.

The environment that he is working in for the next six months comes with its own set of challenges.

He said: “The biggest challenge is trying to film while wearing the same kit as an infantry soldier and being aware of our surroundings at all times.”

When he returns from the tour in March 2014 Paul will build upon the experience he has already gained from his time at DMOC. In the future he hopes pursue his passion forphotography and break into the commercial field.