A young disability campaigner has beaten thousands of others to be featured in this year’s Portrait of Britain book.

Photos of Isaac Harvey, 23, will appear in public places across the country as part of a stunning collection of portraits illustrating modern life in Great Britain.

Mr Harvey of Ilford is a volunteer mentor for young boys at an afterschool club run by children’s charity Barnardo’s.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Isaac Harvey is passionate about campaigning for rights for disabled people

It will be the second time in recent years that the east London native finds himself in the spotlight, after he was chosen to carry the Olympic torch at the London Olympics in 2012.

He said: “It’s a real privilege and honour to have been chosen to be part of the Portrait of Britain as I feel that I am representing Britain.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The photo of Linda Bowley in her home was picked as a winner

“The book is really interesting as it has lots of people from different backgrounds and walks of life in it and I’m proud to be a part of it.

“Being in this book has given me another platform where I can show people that even though I have a disability and I use a wheelchair I am still able to do the same things as others. It is amazing being able to share my story with more people.”

Two years ago, to commemorate Barnardo’s 150th anniversary, photographer Matt Grayson captured a collection of photos of Isaac and also of Linda Bowley, who grew up in the charity’s care at the former Girls’ Village Home in Barkingside.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The Portrait of Britain aims to illustrate life in modern Britain

Earlier this year, Mr Grayson decided to enter his images of the pair into the Portrait of Britain competition in response to an open call for submissions.

The British Journal of Photography received more than 13,000 pictures which were eventually whittled down to a shortlist of 200.

It was a double win for Mr Grayson as his portraits of Ms Bowley and Mr Harvey were chosen as two of the 100 winning entries.

Ms Bowley, 64, who lives on a retirement complex run by Barnardo’s, said: “I’m really pleased for Matt that the photo has been chosen to appear in the book and as part of the exhibition as he was a nice young man.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The photos will crop up at public places across the country

“He really made an effort to find out about Barnardo’s when he came for the photoshoot and was so interested to learn about the charity which was wonderful.”

The photos will pop up at bus stops, shopping malls and train stations, as part of a digital exhibition.

Lynn Gradwell, director of Barnardo’s London, said she hopes the public platform will help raise awareness of the charity’s work to help children and young adults.