This is the photograph which won East Anglian Daily Times photographer James Fletcher a top award.

The picture of Ipswich Town midfielder Sixto Peralta celebrating a goal against Leicester City held off competition from both the national press and sports agencies to win the TXU Energi Ipswich Town Photographer of the Year award for 2001-2002.

James submitted three pictures to the competition which asked for shots depicting the energy at Ipswich Town.

All photographers who had worked at Portman Road throughout the 2001-2002 season were eligible to enter the competition, including those from local and national newspapers and news agencies such as Reuters and the Press Association.

Said James of his winning picture: "It was quite unusual because he had his back to me. He was running towards the Britannia stand with his arms in the air. You could see the emotion on all the faces in the crowd.

"I knew it was a good picture but you never know what other people have submitted. There are some very good photographers out there. I am absolutely elated. You try so hard to get quality pictures and this is recognition for my work."

James, who has worked at the EADT for three-and-a-half years, paid tribute to his fellow photographers at the paper: "When I first started I hadn't done any Premiership football work. I found it very difficult. The action is so fast. My colleagues taught me how to get the best results."

For his efforts, James has won £1,500, donated by TXU, which he plans to spend on a house extension to create extra space for his new baby daughter Poppy.

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