A FORMER Weekly News and Mercury photographer has delved into his archives and revealed some celebrity snaps he took during his career.

Keith Painter photographed a selection of stars during his time in Bridgwater, including Joan Collins and the Queen.

He now lives in the Czech Republic, and we'll be showing one photo a week.

"I was a founder and very active member of the Czech Slovak friendship society and in fact, found the source of sponsorship to bring the folklore ensemble to Bridgwater in the summer of 1992," said Keith.

"This was followed by a return trip to Uherske Hradiste by an ad hoc electric folk band from Bridgwater called Skákat.

"I was the sound man on that trip having sourced the electronics needed from Bridgwater College.

"I fell in love with the music and traditions, and this coupled with a failing marriage, persuaded me to give up the job he loved, working as the Mercury photographer, and try my chance amongst his new found friends."

Keith first travelled on his own to Czechoslovakia in 1992 and witnessed the split of the country into the Czech and Slovak Republics which took effect in 1993.

"Initially, life was very hard," he said.

"With the help of friends, I established himself as a photographer and part time teacher.

"In 1993, I met my future wife Radka and in 1995, we settled in a village only a few kilometres from Vlanov, where we still live today.

"We married in 1998 and have two daughters- in fact Eva, the eldest, celebrated her 18th birthday this month.

"I also have a grown son in England who has children of his own."

Over the years, Keith taught in grammar schools, sending pictures to Rex Features, and writing a children’s book, Peter goes fishing, which he turned into a stage play.

The play was performed in Prague by his English students.

Keith added: "In 2000 after working for private language schools, I decided I could do much better and opened my own school, which at its peak employed 12 teachers.

"In 1998, I was offered a deal by one of my students who owned a meat import export company.

"At last, regular hours and paid holidays, and working in the same village.

"My commute is a leisurely 10 minute stroll from my home.

"I am still working for the same company today, and rarely teach.

"Photography now is purely for pleasure but I still get the urge to chase another impossible picture.

"Will I return to England? Never- I loved the England but that’s all gone now.

"Nothing in my life can be better than listening to a group of Moravian girls in traditional costume singing folk songs- it always give me goose bumps."

Keith's first photo is of Joan Collins. Charity, Brainwave, moved into its first centre in 1986 at Huntworth Gate, which was officially opened by the famous actress and author.

On 31 December 1996, Collins was appointed an (OBE) for services to drama, and in the 2015 New Year Honours was promoted to a Dame Commander of the same Order (DBE) for services to charity.

Joan Collins appeared in a number of films including Land of the Pharaohs (1955) as the scheming Princess Nellifer opposite Jack Hawkins. There was also The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing (1955), The Opposite Sex (1956), Sea Wife (1957), The Wayward Bus (1957), Island in the Sun (1957), Stopover Tokyo (1958), The Bravados (1958), and Rally Round the Flag, Boys (1959). In the 1960s whe appeared in the Seven Thieves (1960) and the biblical epic Esther and the King (1960) and The Road to Hong Kong (1962), with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope.

Married to Anthony Newley, made appearances on American television during the 1960s and 1970s included Batman, The Virginian, Mission: Impossible, and Police Woman, and Star Trek. In the 1970s she enjoyed a new career in films based on her sister Jackie's novels appeaing in the raunchy movies The Stud and The Bitch with the 1980s seeing another chapter in her acting career when she featured in the TV series Dynasty.

Have you ever met any famous people and taken photographs with them? Did you meet Joan Collins, have tea with Queen or go for a drink with the Who when they came to town? Send your celebrity stories and photos to rebecca.heyes@nqsw.co.uk