Joy, sadness and a superstar – Snapper’s top photos of 2021

The Advertiser’s staff photographer, Ian Longthorne, has reflected on another busy year of snapping and chosen some of his top photos of the year.

He said: “2021 – the year we learnt to live with COVID. Mask wearing and social distancing was still in place.

“Ladies’ day at Royal Ascot was still a great occasion, where the party atmosphere was summed up with one mask – ‘Only remove for Champagne’.

“Other highlights included the homecoming of Tom Dean, the double gold medal-winning Olympian, and the Maidenhead Christmas lights switch-on event at the town hall.

“A surprise took place at Maidenhead United Football Club with the guest appearance of film star and Wrexham AFC co-owner, Ryan Reynolds.

“Another surprise was when a train passenger took the chance to question MP Theresa May at the unveiling of the new station forecourt.

“The sad news of the passing of Prince Philip made Windsor a focal point for mourners and the funeral within Windsor Castle was a privilege to photograph.”

Pictures by: Ian Longthorne Tom Dean’s homecoming after his Olympic success in Tokyo. Ref:134097-22

Ryan Reynolds looking non-plussed as he watched AFC Wrexham play at Maidenhead United’s York Road. Wrexham lost the game 3-2. Ref:134097-17

A passenger stopped to speak to Theresa May at the opening of the new Maidenhead Station forecourt. Ref:134097-15

Protesters took to the streets of Maidenhead to show solidarity with the people of Palestine in May. Ref:134097-20

The Maidenhead Christmas lights switch-on event. Ref:134097-19

Crocheted poppies were placed on the railings to Higginson Park and All Saints Church in Marlow to mark Remembrance. Ref:134097-16

The Queen's Swan Marker, David Barber, at the return of Swan Upping in the summer. Ref:134097-13

A Remembrance service at the war memorial outside Maidenhead Town Hall. Ref:134097-18

A mask-wearing attendee at Ladies’ Day at Royal Ascot. Ref:134097-1

The Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral. Ref:134097-5