A LITTLE Downham man is in the running for a fully-paid job on a national newspaper after being shortlisted for a prestigious national photography prize. Gareth Jones, of Third Drove, is one of six finalists for The Times Young Photographer of the Year Co

A LITTLE Downham man is in the running for a fully-paid job on a national newspaper after being shortlisted for a prestigious national photography prize.

Gareth Jones, of Third Drove, is one of six finalists for The Times Young Photographer of the Year Competition, and is in with a chance to have his flair rewarded with a fully-paid job on the daily newspaper's picture desk.

The 24-year-old, who attended Witchford Village College before going on to study politics in Portsmouth, submitted three photographs and was delighted to hear that he had been short-listed.

"It is brilliant," he said.

"It's very exciting and it's nice to get professional recognition."

Mr Jones said he first developed a passion for photography at university and that the chance to work on The Times' picture desk would be a dream job.

"I would be ecstatic if I win it - it's the aim of every photo-journalist," he said.

The next stage for Mr Jones will be the submission of a locally-based photo project which he is currently putting together.

He was due to face an interview panel this week, but will have to wait an agonising three-and-a-half weeks to find out if he has won.

INFO: If you would like to see some of Mr Jones' work, visit www.partpixel.co.uk.