AN amateur photographer is in the running to secure a podium finish in a nationwide photography contest.

Anthony Broatch, from Seaton Carew, has sped through to the final 60 in 'Moto Foto', the annual photo-biking competition organised by motorcycle insurance brokers Carole Nash.

Moto Foto, which this year has received a record-breaking number of entries, capitalises on the biking community's passion for stunning machines and fuses that with photography.

The 45-year-old said: "I'm over the moon to hear that my photo has been selected as one of the finalists, and I'm really hoping I can make it to the next level. It would be fantastic to be one of the lucky 12 and have my work appear in the company's calendar. And of course I'd also love to win the competition."

There are three categories in this year's competition: Action; Scenic/Touring; and Static/Art.

The pipe fitter, a keen biker himself and owner of a Ducati 848, entered his picture into Moto Foto's Scenic/Touring category, and he has now been shortlisted by a panel of biking and photography experts.

If crowned the overall winner, Anthony will win £1,000 in cash plus a top-of-the-range Nikon D7200 digital camera.

To check out this year's entries and for further details about the competition, visit carolenash.com/motofoto