A LEADING trade unionist and political activist's lifetime of work is captured in a photographic exhibition which is also raising money for North London Hospice.

Former general secretary of the National Union of Teachers and president of the Trades Union Congress, Fred Jarvis, who lives in Barnet, is hosting the exhibition of photos from the past half century at the TUC Centre in central London.

Mr Jarvis, 85, who lives in Hadley Road, Barnet, started taking photos while serving in the armed forces after the Second World War.

His interest in politics was fired as a student and Mr Jarvis went on to become the president of the National Union of Students and later a leading figure in some of this country's biggest unions.

Once praised by Lord Mandelson for his ability behind the lens, Mr Jarvis's latest exhibition features 150 of his images, of everone from leading political figures to school children.

Money raised from the sale of many of the signed photographs will be helping the North London Hospice where Mr Jarvis's late wife, Anne, a teacher and Labour party activist, died three years ago.

The opening of the exhibiton earlier this week was attended by the current Prime Minister's wife, Sarah Brown, as well as former Labour leader Neil Kinnock.

Mr Jarvis, whose other main passion in life is for West Ham football club, said: “It’s gone really well so far, and we are hoping to raise over £5,000.”

“Anne received lovely treatment from the hospice and this is my way of saying thank you.”

The exhibition is open until 5pm today at the TUC Centre in Great Russell Street.