Swinton man wins top photography prize

A FORMER car sprayer who was forced to change his career after being badly hurt a motorcycle accident has scooped a top photography prize.

Peter Farthing (46), from Swinton, used to paint cars until a horrendous accident forced him out of work and led him to take up photography.

Now he is celebrating after winning a highly commended silver prize at the Wath Salon National Exhibition.

His print of a classic motorcycle sidecar, named 'Hanging Out', was picked from over 1,000 entries at the event and was inspired by Peter's love of racing.

The 46-year-old has been unemployed since August because of the back and neck injuries he suffered in the crash.

While he was off work recovering, Peter turned to photography and discovered he had untapped talent.

"I was involved in the accident last year and have not been able to go back in to work since," he said.

"I broke my neck and back in the incident. It had been a welcome boost to moral in winning the prize.

"Times are really hard at the moment so I want to use this as a stepping stone and find my way back into employment in the photography scene."

The Dearne Valley Camera Club, of which Peter is a member, hosted the competition.

The entrants were judged on everything from composition and clarity to their content.

Having no previous experience in photography, Peter added: "I think I have done really well. There were pieces from all over the world.

"I have always had a keen interest in photography mainly motorsport.

"I joined the Dearne Valley Camera Club two years ago and have won numerous awards at club and local level."

The exhibition opened yesterday at Wath Library and the exhibits will be on display for several weeks.