A fear of forgetting spurred Mr Zulu, who now owns The Black Horse in West Boldon, to get snapping many years ago, but it was only recently that he realised his real talent.

Now, his lifetime's work is set to go on display at The Arts Centre in Washington.

Mr Zulu, who found fame with The Toy Dolls in the 1970s and 1980s before going on to run Throwingstones restaurant at the National Glass Centre in Sunderland, said: "I've always messed about taking photos.

"I think it's because I like to remember things, photos are nostalgic, and that's how it started.

"Then the pictures started getting more arty and that's how it all came about."

And his talents did not go unnoticed. About five years ago, he bought himself a Contax camera and decorated Throwingstones with his favourite snaps.

A couple of people from Contax visited the restaurant and were so impressed with his pictures that they sent him thousands of pounds worth of camera equipment to give his hobby a boost.

Olympus followed suit and, after he sent some of his pictures to them, they gave him their flagship camera to play with.

With all the interest and some top equipment to play with, Mr Zulu decided to start putting a book together, which he hopes will be published before the end of the year.

And a collection of his favourite photos will be going on display at The Arts Centre next month.

"I can remember playing there years and years ago with the band and it was a lovely space, so it's great to be having my first exhibition there," Mr Zulu said.

His photos have already caught the eye of TV agony aunt Denise Robertson, from East Boldon.

And former Eurythmics star Dave Stewart, who left him a note in The Black Horse saying: "An excellent chef, musician and photographer. Pete Zulu is a true polymath."

You can see Mr Zulu's exhibition at The Arts Centre, Washington, from Thursday until November 22.