After days of debate, the winner of the HoldtheFrontPage quirky photo competition can be announced.

We were looking for routine press pictures that had developed a new and amusing element thanks to the unprompted participation of the subjects.

A tough challenge, but with more than 20 entries to pick through, the judges’ decision was hard to reach.

The winning photographer is Tony Braithwaite, a freelance press and wedding photographer based at Colne, Lancashire. He scoops the £100 prize.

He took this front page picture of a royal visit which was brought to life by the animated youngster in front of the Prince of Wales.

Surrounded by girls, the lad’s sheer glee at holding out his hand to be shaken by the heir to the throne is obvious.

Prince Charles must come across this kind of thing all the time, but this well-composed picture, which appeared in the Colne Times back in October, swung it for the HoldtheFrontPage jury for its wonderful timing.

Tony said: “I wasn’t too close so I don’t know what was said.

“I just liked the picture and the lad’s expression was fantastic.”

A split second earlier – or later – and the moment would have been lost for ever.

We’d love to know what tickled him so much!