Shasha Khan is well known within his local community as treasurer of the Croydon Green Party and is regarded as a local campaigner.

He has stood in general, local and London Assembly elections.

Shasha, 34, can now add winning photographer to his list of accomplishments. He said: "I am thrilled to have won and to have my photograph displayed.

"I'll have to take a photo of my photo while it's displayed in Allders window."

Shasha, of Windmill Road, Croydon, moved to the borough when he was 11-years-old and has lived here ever since.

Shasha is very proud of Croydon and its history and it was this that influenced his choice of shot.

"Within the borough there is great diversity of cultures which should be celebrated. Hidden among the hustle and bustle, modernity and homogeneity there are some pockets of peace, heritage and even counterculture.

"I also live within walking distance from a massive shopping centre, which at times I take for granted.

"There is a popular misconception about the people of Croydon, especially its young people. Not all of them are chavs'.

"People do recognise that there is a need for an additional set of values to be properly recognised and it's not just about the latest car, mobile or trainers."

Danny Brierley, assistant editor of the Croydon Guardian, explained why the committee chose the picture.

"Sasha's image was one of several that immediately caught our eye. It had an interesting juxtaposition of the old and the new, the famous Almshouses and a busy shopping street.

"This clever contrast was the reason the committee felt it should be our winner."

Shasha's winning entry is being prepared so that it can be displayed in Allders window. It will also feature in a Croydon Champions 2006 souvenir magazine.