Quite a summer holiday

17 year old Auckland Leo Carleton meets Sir Cliff Richard at the legendary singer's 75th birthday concert. Photo / Supplied

A Kiwi school student is still pinching himself after being flown to London by Sir Cliff Richard to photograph his 75th birthday bash.

Thousands of dollars were spent on flights and a week's accommodation for 17-year-old Leo Carleton to jet from Auckland and take pictures of the chart-topping singer's recent celebrations at the Royal Albert Hall.

He issued the invitation after being impressed with Carlton's photography work for the New Zealand-based Cliff Richard Radio station.

Carlton, a Year 12 student at Avondale College in West Auckland, photographed Sir Cliff's five London shows, including the October 14 concert with Olivia Newton-John.

"It was great to get to meet Sir Cliff and I couldn't believe the energy he still has," Carleton said. "No one else could keep up with him and he is a really nice guy."

At one point Newton-John led a chorus of Happy Birthday, sparking the crowd into a sing-a-long.

Tributes from Sir Elton John, Queen guitarist Brian May and comedian Jimmy Tarbuck were broadcast on a television screen at the back of the stage. Many praised the star's longevity and success.

"Sir Cliff gave me an amazing opportunity and he was very happy with my pictures," Carleton said. "He asked for one of the photos for himself."

Carleton was given front-row seats and access to capture the on-stage action. "I usually take pictures of landscapes as a hobby so getting a chance to do this was amazing," he added. "This is something special to have on my CV."

Cliff Richard Radio plays the star's music non-stop and is broadcast worldwide on the internet from a shed in Te Atatu, West Auckland. The station recently celebrated its second anniversary on air and is run and hosted by super-fan Paul Dyer.