A PHOTOGRAPHER is taking a behind-the-counter look at the people who run local independent shops and businesses, in a new project hoped to boost local trade.

Alan Carmichael of Capricorn Photography is photographing the local business community for Tales From Behind the Counter, a project developed to support the local independent shops and businesses of Ilkley.

A storyboard is being created to tell the tales of the owner behind the counter, telling the story of why and how they got into business, in voluntary project put together by Alan, and Rachel Hatfield of Shoo Social Media.

He said: "This great project has been designed to engage the local residential community of Ilkley and give something back, what better way of doing this than putting together a visual and digital story-board, showcasing the exceptional local independent businesses of Ilkley."

Rachel added: "Not only will we create an exhibition of the local independent shop but we will also promote the storyboard across social media as well to reach those that cannot get to Ilkley."

They are still looking for businesses in Ilkley to get involved in the project.

The basic idea for the project was conceived in March 2014, and began with the idea of photographing all the businesses on one street - The Grove in Ilkley.

Due to the number of independent businesses on The Grove, Alan felt this would be an achievable project.

His initial aim was to put together an exhibition at a local venue, allowing him to introduce himself as a photographer, help him gain confidence as a photographer and get some constructive feedback on his work.

But in February this year he approached Rachael to help with the project, and it has since grown from there.

Visit facebook.com/ilkleytales to get involved, or find out more by visiting Twitter @ilkleytales.