To see the photos click here

A new photographic exhibition by disadvantaged young people showed Thornton Heath in a dramatic new light this week.

The amateur photographers, aged between 16 and 22, were each given a camera and eight weeks' training before taking images of the town as they see it.

Street life, Indian culture, the flower market and the colour blue were all subjects at the exhibition.

The young photographers all come from disadvantaged or troubled backgrounds and this scheme was designed to show off their hidden talents.

The work was exhibited at a private viewing at Croydon Clocktower last week.

Professional photographer Hazel Thompson, who taught the workshop, said: "The group really just took off on the journey - it may sound corny but we got inspired by them.

"I am so proud of them. They produced such a high standard of work in such a short time.

"They come from troubled backgrounds and a lot of people don't give them time of day. What blew me away was spending time with them and helping them see the world the way I do, through photography."

Jessica Peprah-Sarpong, 22, took photographs of life on the streets of Thornton Heath.

She said: "This group has been a great experience. It has been a way of bringing the community together and seeing Thornton Heath for the potential it holds."

Neelam Shah, 16, looked at Indian culture in her ward. She said: "Through my storytelling I have documented different aspects of my culture, looking at the food, people and clothing."

Achol Tong, 20, photographed the flower market. "It's a place where people from all over the community come to select some beauty to take home.

"I wanted to capture not only the texture of the market but also the spirit of the place."

Pinar Mehmet, aged 19, chose the colour blue. She said: "I looked for blue in people, transportation, windows and signs.

"Exploring and opening my eyes to where I could see the colour blue in Thornton Heath."

To see the photos click here