A SUPER snapper has scooped silver in a prestigious national photography competition.

Gary Bradley, 52, saw off competition from a thousand entries in the Basingstoke Camera Club National Photographic Exhibition.

The full-time carer only took up photography three years ago and is delighted that his photograph, of Grangemouth Oil Refinery, was a hit with judges.

He said: “I entered several pictures in different categories but only one was accepted and I got runner up medal in the landscape category.

“I am over the moon.

“I’ve only won beginners’ competitions before.” It’s not the first accolade Gary has captured, as he also made the cut for the Tele calendar.

He said: “It was a big achievement to get my photographs in the Telegraph calendar two years in a row. It’s always nice to have your work looked at by qualified judges who obviously like what they see.” Gary took up photography after he gave up his job to look after his partner Ann Marie, 54, who has MS.

He is a member of Greenock Camera Club and goes out with the club on Sunday afternoons.

Gary, who lives in Walker Street, enjoys landscapes and draws inspiration from the ever-changing views in Inverclyde.

He said: “It is a beautiful place to live, you’re never short of good views.

“You can go up Lyle Hill every day and no two views are the same.” Gary wants to say a big thank-you to camera club member Angus Campbell for all his encouragement.

He said: “Angus has been a great help and inspiration.

“His practical help has ben especially valuable and has inspired me to keep improving.”