A former computer software engineer has a new focus in life.

Akhtar Ramzan has turned a hobby into his living and launched a new photographic business.

And the opening of his unit, in the Brunswick Arcade within Keighley’s Airedale Shopping Centre is a landmark for the precinct as it continues to enjoy a business boom.

That part of the centre is now fully let for the first time in a decade.

Centre manager Steve Seymour said: “We’ve had a bumper series of new businesses opening in the past couple of months, and Akhtar’s new photographic studio comes soon after Burger King, Keighley Cougars, Pink V Blue and CeX.

“The fact the Brunswick Arcade is now fully let is a great indication of how much positive progress is being made to improve the experience for the eight million shoppers we welcome every year.”

Mr Ramzan, 44, was based in Belgium in his previous job, but decided last year to return to Keighley, where he grew up.

“I was looking for a job in computing, but as that’s kind of quiet at the moment, I thought as I’d been doing photography so long I could turn my hobby into a business,” he said.

“I found the shop in the Airedale Centre and arranged to take it on.

“Luckily, it had been used as a photographic studio previously, so I didn’t have to do too much work to create my new base.

“The Airedale Centre is ideal for me because it’s very close to my home and is a busy place.”

Mr Ramzan said he will be concentrating mainly on portrait work, and there is one person in particular he dreams of photographing – Bolton-based boxing icon, Amir Khan.

“Amir is the youngest British Olympic boxing medallist and also one of the youngest British world champions ever – winning the WBA Light Welterweight title at age 22,” he said.

“He’s such a legend that I would love one day to do his portrait. Perhaps if my work becomes well known enough that could eventually be a possibility.”