Local knowledge paid off for Tamworth Herald photographer Paul Barber.

He 'scooped' a posse of national and regional press and TV cameramen for shots of one of the country's hottest pop groups.

He was one of dozens of lensmen at the Drayton Manor photocall - but because he's the local man on his own stamping ground he knew the operator of a crane on the site.

And he persuaded the crane man to take him up - about 40ft.

So he got the exclusive shots everyone wanted of Popstars winners Hear'Say.

The band was launching of a new ride and Paul's pictures came from the very best vantage point - while everyone else was left floundering on the ground.

The new ride is called the Maelstrom and works like a pirate ship ride, swinging backwards and forwards.

But the brave souls riding on it are seated in a circle, facing outwards. So as the ride swings up and down, the people are also spun round at angles of up to 120 degrees.

Even so, Paul said afterwards that although he was up high on the crane, he was still glad he was there and not on the ride!

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