MALMESBURY photographer Kevin Howchin has been recognised for his work in this year's Royal Horticultural Society's photographic competition.

The 43-year-old, of Burnivale, was awarded second place in the plant portrait category, triumphing over nearly 4,000 other entries.

Amateur and professional photographers from across the world submitted pictures for the prestigious competition.

Mr Howchin's stunning photo of a crocus in his garden caught the judges' attention.

The image will be showcased in the heart of London's art district, at the Medici Gallery in Cork Street from January 22 to 26.

Mr Howchin, a professional photographer, was awarded a £200 prize, which he is putting towards a new camera.

"I am very pleased," he said. "I took this photo in February, on the one day it snowed this year.

"I ventured out to see what I could find and I spotted the crocuses.

"I wanted to show off their delicate nature against the snow bank. I'm really pleased with the result.

"I had actually only been in this house for six weeks at the time, so it was quite fortuitous.

"You know when you have got a good picture and I felt, when I had taken this one, that I had a good chance."

Judge Tim Sandall said they had been taken aback by Mr Howchin's entry.

"We loved this image, because you can really feel the cold and snow," he said.

"Not only is it a stunning photo, but, technically, the image is tremendous.

"The use of light and shadow is incredible, especially the use of a single highlight in one of the dewdrops that emphasises the beautiful line of the crocus. The entries this year were better than ever before, and quite simply of a staggering quality."

Mr Howchin said he was delighted to hear the praise from the judges.

"To hear comments like that from a professional is very pleasing," he said.

Mr Howchin moved to Malmesbury 18 months ago from Essex, where he was born and bred.

Photography has long been his passion.

"I got my first camera when I was nine years old," he said. "But I have been doing it seriously since the start of this century "I take a lot of flower photographs and I like to do aviation as well and a lot of close-up work."

Mr Howchin's website can be found at www.idepict.co.uk