Joe Cornish is an internationally renowned photographer, author and lecturer, who is especially known for his work for the National Trust.

His passion for the outdoors is evident in his pictures, and he believes photography has a vital role to play in inspiring environmental conservation.

A major, six-month exhibition of Cornish's photographs is to be held at Lockwoods restaurant in what is surely something of a coup for its owners.

Andrew Lockwood, whose son Matthew owns the restaurant, said: "Matthew has some of Joe's pictures and we were planning our next exhibition in the restaurant and it seemed to be a good fit between what Joe's trying to say about the beauty of the environment and the Lockwoods concept of locally sourced food to help the environment."

Cornish has a studio in Northallerton and Matthew emailed him in the hope that he would be interested in linking up with them.

"He came to the restaurant and thought the concept and the venue was a good fit with his work," says Andrew.

The result is the exhibition Water and Stone: Essence of Yorkshire.

Cornish said"I am delighted to be sharing my love of landscape, of wild places, and of creative artistic photography in a venue such as Lockwoods that reflects the same values, and encourages care for the environment," he said.

Cornish has travelled widely throughout the UK for the National Trust, specialising in particular on the coastline.

He has written various books on photography and writes regularly for Outdoor Photography and Amateur Photographer magazines, as well as lecturing thoughout the UK and further afield.

Joe was made an honorary fellow of the Royal Photographic Society in 2008.

Water and Stone: Essence of Yorkshire launches on July 8 with a grand opening reception from 6pm, including a complimentary glass of bubbly and canapés, alongside Lockwoods' supper menu.

Cornish will be at the restaurant on the evening to talk to visitors and will also be on hand to talk about his work between noon and 5pm on Sunday, July 12.

To book for the opening night or the Sunday, call 01765 607 555.