Lake District lockdown photographer appointed MBE

Writing on Instagram, Mr Watts described Tuesday's ceremony as “overwhelming”.

A former grenadier, who won acclaim for his daily photographs of the Lake District during lockdown, has been made an MBE in recognition of his fundraising efforts.

Steve Watts, from Grasmere, said it was “emotional” to be honoured by King Charles in a ceremony at Windsor Castle on Tuesday.

Mr Watts, a mountain guide and avid runner, took to posting images of his daily runs in the fells soon after the first lockdown began in March 2020.

His MBE comes after he turned his photos into a book to raise money for charity.

One of Steve Watts' many Lake District photos

“I run on these mountains every single day, and I just felt so sad about the current situation that people were finding themselves in,” he told the BBC after he had completed 365 days "bringing the outside in".

"I'm so, so fortunate to be able to do what I do and take to these mountains that we all love so much,” he said.

Since the pandemic, Mr Watts has continued regularly posting photos of the Lake District on Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).

Speaking to BBC Radio Cumbria just ahead of his investiture ceremony, he said the popularity of his images highlighted the “positive effect” social media can have on people.

“I’ve been having reviews from people in care homes,” he said.

“This is my daily tonic; this is what I get up for.”