SNAP-HAPPY Alan Ross has tasted his first competition success after more than 20 years of clicking away.

As a member of Bury Photographic Society, Mr Ross, of Glebelands Road, Prestwich, entered the French competition Festival D'Art National Photographic.

The competition, on the theme of communication, was opened to all towns twinned with Tulle in France, and Mr Ross's spontaneous shot of a man rushing about with two walkie-talkies held to his ears was judged the best. He said: "I took it a few years ago in Manchester during a festival. My wife caught a glimpse of this man, possibly involved with the festival, and he looked as if he was listening to two conversations at once. I just quickly clicked my camera."

The second prize went to Lynne Whittles, from Little Lever, for her picture of her two grandsons using a string and two tin cans to communicate. The competition took place last year and the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Barry Briggs, has just presented the winners with a medallion, a photography magazine subscription, and a stack of magazines to share.

Mr Ross said: "Photography has been my main hobby for many years and I have been a member of the society for more than 20 years. My speciality is landscapes and cityscapes."

He added: "I have entered many competitions but this is the first one I've won. In the photography world to be merely recognised is the biggest kudos."