A former Gloucestershire Echo photographer is urging budding sports snappers to apply for a scholarship to win the chance to cover Marylebone Cricket Club both home and abroad.

Anthony Devlin, who left the Echo in April, is the current MCC Young Cricket Photographer.

And as applicants for his successor are sought, he has told of his enjoyable year with the club which has seen him cover the club at Lord's and even follow them to Gibraltar.

He said: "I would urge any cricket-loving young photographer to apply for this scholarship. I loved every moment of my year with MCC.

"It gave me a great combination of expert guidance, firm financial backing and unique behind-the-scenes access to Lord's.

Anthony

"My favourite moments included a trip to Gibraltar - where I photographed a MCC team training in front of The Rock, which provided a spectacular backdrop for my shots. I'm sure the next Young Cricket Photographer will find the scholarship every bit as invaluable - and enjoyable - as I did."

As part of the scholarship the successful candidate will benefit from a unique combination of financial support, expert mentoring and professional exposure through MCC publications, the club's website and an end-of-season exhibition at Lord's.

They will also receive financial support consisting of over £3,000 in fees for covering a combination of matches at Lord's and MCC out-matches; over £1,000 of professional expense allowances and up to £3,000 for travel expenses.

And, most significantly, they will also benefit from invaluable professional guidance from Graham Morris, one of the country's top cricket photographers.

MCC envisages that its Young Cricket Photographer 2005 will be aged between 18 and 25, and he or she should have an interest in cricket, a talent for both action and atmospheric photography and a genuine interest in becoming a professional sports photographer.

Applicants should submit examples of their work, together with a CV and covering letter, to: MCC Communications Department (IW), Lord's Cricket Ground, St John's Wood, London NW8 8QN, by February 11.

Interviews will take place on February 25 and the successful applicant will be expected to take up his/her position on April 8 - when MCC will play the Champion County (Warwickshire) at Lord's.

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