YOU’RE never too old to begin a new hobby!

That’s the message from 78-year-old Kevin Hardman who put himself well and truly in the frame by winning Bury Photographic Society’s beginners section at its annual awards.

Kevin, who lives in Ramsbottom, made a clean sweep of the prizes in the society’s “club class” which is for newcomers to photography and club competition.

His accumulated scores from monthly competitions won him the annual print award and the top prize for digitally projected images.

Much of his prize-winning work came from photographs taken on a 1,000 mile walk across France and Spain which he and his wife, Madeleine, accomplished over three holidays. His photographs also included several of his 15 grandchildren.

Kevin, who joined the society three years ago, explained: “I dabbled in photography as a boy but only really got interested when relatives bought me a digital camera for my 70th birthday. Even then I did not take the hobby seriously until I joined the club.”

Kevin is a former captain of Manchester Golf Club where he has been a member for more than 50 years, and is also a bridge enthusiast, plying at the Athenaeum Club in Bury.

“That and editing my pictures on my computer keep my brain active,” he added. The society’s advanced class top prizes were won by Barrie Kelly, from Bury, for overall top score in print and digital as well as the nature and monochrome sections.

Members’ work is now on show at Bury Art Gallery until April 21.