A family photographer is embarking on a community project to capture portraits of remarkable people who best represent the city.

Stephanie Belton, of Hazelmere Road, St Albans , has launched “Faces of St Albans” and is asking people to nominate the city’s memorable characters, whether it be a “charismatic market trader, inspirational teacher, street performer or charity worker”.

She said: “This project has been floating in my head for over a year now and I am so pleased to finally start bringing it to life.

“What has pushed me to finally take action was the sad news of John Delaney, the Accordion Man, passing away before I got the chance to photograph him.

“Since then, I have been keeping a close eye on social media and reading up on fascinating memories from people who have grown up in St Albans, reminiscing on shops and places that are long gone or memorable characters who made their mark on our town.”

Her first subject was Tony Picciuto, who owns Italian deli Buongiorno Italia in Lattimore Road, and recently found out that the council had refused his landlord’s application for a redevelopment.

Stephanie said: “Our first home in St Albans was a little cottage on Alexandra Road near the station and I enjoyed visiting Tony’s deli for our weekly supplies of pesto and other Italian specialties.

“He is such a character and after seeing him featured in the paper and starting a campaign to save his shop, I thought Tony just had to be my first ‘Face of St Albans’.”

Once she has captured a selection of portraits, Stephanie is planning to organise an exhibition in the city centre to celebrate all those who took part.

All nominations can be submitted at www.stephaniebelton.com/faces-of-st-albans.