AN AMATEUR photographer landed a big break with a bus operator – thanks to the photos she sent in for the TV weather spot.

Shazz Hooper, 36, has been taking photographs across Dorset as a hobby for many years.

But she was commissioned out of the blue to take photos for Morebus of its Purbeck Breezer services linking Bournemouth and Poole with Swanage and the Purbeck hills.

The bus company did not know she was an amateur when her picture of Lulworth Cove was shown on Meridian TV’s weather spot.

Nikki Honer, head of communications at Morebus, was watching television and saw the photo.

She said: “Our Breezer routes are among the most picturesque in the country, and we wanted to capture just how beautiful Dorset really is.

“By chance I was watching the local weather on TV and was captivated by photography from Shazz that was used to accompany it.

“I had no idea Shazz was an amateur – her photography certainly didn’t give her away. Having tracked her down, I offered what turned out to be her very first commercial work.

“As a Dorset-based operator, we use local suppliers and contractors whenever we can. So it’s wonderful that Shazz gained her professional break through us.

“She spent some time on the buses along the route during the recent beautiful weather – and the results are truly wonderful. I hope this work leads to more contracts for Shazz. She certainly deserves them.”

Shazz, from Poole, said: “I was surprised and delighted by Morebus’ interest in my photography, and I’m so happy they love the images I’ve taken.

“Photography is very important to me, and I’ve long wanted to transform my hobby into a business. I just didn’t know how. I had a great time travelling through some of Dorset’s most attractive locations on the Purbeck Breezer – and I’d like to thank Morebus for giving me this fantastic opportunity.”

Morebus also uses local companies TWF in Wimborne for its bus livery and graphics, and Alfatronix Ltd in Poole for the on-board USB ports used across its fleet.

The Purbeck Breezer services were recently nominated in a competition to find Britain’s most scenic bus route. The result is expected in the summer.