A touching portrait of a resident and his son enjoying lunch at one of our extra care schemes has been recognised in a national competition.

The picture of Fred Fordham and his son David was taken by photographer Sarah Bourne at Strawberry Hill, Dartford, one of five new extra care schemes delivered as part of the Kent Excellent Homes for All private finance initiative.

The striking image finished third in The Big Picture, a competition run by the Chartered Institute of Housing to show the importance of social housing.

The judges said Sarah’s image “beautifully captures an everyday moment between father and son which in turn tells a strong story about the value of housing”.

West Kent Engagement Officer George Barnes said the photo “shows that people like Fred, who have at times suffered from isolation, can thrive and enjoy moments like this with the support of this type of housing”.

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