TROOPS from Colchester have been recognised for their excellence behind the camera not just on the battlefield.

Four members of the town’s 16 Air Assault Brigade were commended at the British Army photographic competition.

Major Mike Thwaite, of 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, won the best online image in the amateur soldiering categories.

His photograph of soldiers playing cards during a break in jungle training in Belize was chosen after a public vote on social media.

Corporal Danny Houghton won the best amateur portfolio for his shots taken as a combat medical technician with Colchester’s 16 Medical Regiment.

He has since transferred and is training to become a full-time Army photographer.

The brigade’s photographer Corporal Jamie Hart earned a runner-up spot in the professional soldiering category.

His shot, called Jungleist Massive, captured members of 2 Para wading through water in Belize.

And Corporal Nathan Tanuku came runner-up in the amateur soldiering category for his photo, Courage Under Fire, taken on exercise in France while he was serving with 3 Para.

Since taking the image, he has completed his Army photographer training and is now based in Scotland.