About the Author

Neil Hallam is a freelance writer and photojournalist based in Nottingham, England. His media career began in the 1980s as a photographer for Mansfield Brewery's trade magazine. He shot his first wedding in 1987, leading to many years of experience with weddings, events, portraiture and commercial photography.Neil is a contributor to magazines as diverse as Police World and Cycling Active. A keen motorcyclist throughout his adult life, Neil contributes to motorcycle magazines in Australia, the USA and Britain. His published work includes touring articles, road tests and technical features.Neil's knowledge of the outdoors is built on a lifetime of outdoor pursuits and expeditions to remote areas including the Himalayas and Mongolia. An experienced Scout Instructor, he advises the county leadership on climbing, walking and mountain biking. He holds National Governing Body awards in all three disciplines.His published outdoor features include: cycling, mountaineering, trekking, and shooting in locations throughout the world.Neil's professional career began in the law, as a Chartered Legal Executive, moving to the Police, for a 22 year career chasing real-life outlaws. His journalism experience includes five years seconded to the Home Office as Communications Officer at the Police National CBRN Centre.Since retirement, Neil has pursued his interests in travelling, writing and the media. Neil's Police experience has found ongoing work as the Police Technical advisor to the scriptwriters of ITV's Coronation Street and BBC's Waterloo Road. He has an MSc in Disaster Management and is a full member of the Emergency Planning Society. Neil is a member of the Chartered Institute of Journalists (MCIJ), the world's oldest organisation for journalists.For more information about Neil and his work, please visit his website at: www.neilhallam.com