Birthday surprise as photographer's wife organises exhibition

A terrific exhibition opened last night at the Fringe Club's rooftop Fotogalerie, but the photographer had no clue. Asia: Travels on a Wing and a Prayer features works by amateur shutterbug and ornithologist Paul Leader (right), and he only learned his pictures were on display when he arrived at the opening. It seems his wife, Sally Dellow (below), organised the whole event for his 40th birthday. Not a bad surprise. 'It's all part of my grand, romantic gesture,' Dellow said. 'He knew nothing at all about it until he arrived at the opening. Fortunately, we've been able to keep it a secret because I've been so busy that I hardly see him.'

Besides being a keen photographer, Leader is also a committed conservationist and explorer, so proceeds from the works will go towards two charities his family strongly supports, the Care for Children project and the China Research and Exploration Society, both based in Xinjiang . 'Five prints of each picture will be available for only HK$200 each. They're not just pictures of birds though, but of the landscape and people where Paul has visited, including China, Burma and Indonesia.' The exhibition continues until April 4.