A TALENTED photographer has landed a prestigious international award recognising the work he has done with disabled people for nearly 20 years.

Mike Birbeck, who has been in a wheelchair since an accident in 1982, received the Royal Photographic Society award at a glittering ceremony.

Photographer David Bailey and animator Nick Park were among guests receiving the sought-after award at the Royal Institution of Great Britain.

Mr Birbeck, of Lavender Road, Kempshott, received the Hood Medal, which has previously been won by Jacques Cousteau, Lord Snowdon and Richard Attenborough.

Mr Birbeck, who also gained fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society three years ago, said: "This award is the biggest achievement I have ever had and it is a great honour. These awards are really the Oscars of the photography world.

"I did not know anything about it until they sent me a letter asking if I would accept it, and I still do not know who nominated me.

"I have been working with disabled people since the late 1980s, but I have been a keen photographer for many years."

Mr Birbeck's work includes a seven-year study at Saxon Wood School, a special school in Basingstoke, and involvement with the Disabled Photographers' Society (DPS).

Mr Birbeck, who is also a member of the Basingstoke Camera Club, was injured in a flying accident in 1982 when he was stationed at RAF Odiham.

He was chairman of the DPS for a decade, before becoming president two years ago, and he still plays an active hands-on role, organising holidays for disabled people.

He said: "The presidency was not intended to be a hands-on post but I still do a lot of work."

First published: Monday, October 17, 2005