A Yorkshire press agency has been benefitting from worldwide media exposure after securing a photograph of a high-profile abduction suspect.

Ross Parry Agency, based in Pudsey near Leeds, acquired a photo of Michael Donovan, the suspect arrested after missing schoolgirl Shannon Matthews was found.

When reporters started asking questions, they discovered a family connection that led them to the suspect's sister Alice Meehan, mother of Shannon's step-father Craig Meehan.

Staff at Ross Parry Agency learned that Alice's maiden name was Drake – the same as Michael Donovan's birth name, Paul Drake.

Reporter Liam Miller visited Mrs Meehan Friday night, a few hours after Shannon had been found, and bought the old photograph of Michael Donovan and his young nephew Craig Meehan.

It has since been used carrying the Ross Parry Agency byline on Sky and BBC News, their websites and countless other national news papers and news organisations, bringing the agency unparalleled exposure.

News editor Sam Yule said: "There was word going round that he (Donovan) was related to the Meehan family.

"In the run up to Friday we had spoken to a lot of the family and got some phone numbers. We ended up getting hold of Caroline who is Craig's sister.

"We met both Alice and Caroline and Alice gave us the photo. It was the only one she could find."

Sam added: "It was just good journalism, a bit of persistence.

"We worked very, very hard for that and it was not just one day's work. We got to the stage where a couple of reporters were working on the story all the time.

"We got the picture exclusive and everybody has no alternative but to use our picture. We feel proud of ourselves."

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