LIFE in Bolton and the North-west -- as seen through the lens of a camera.

That was the theme of an exhibition staged by members of Bolton Camera Club.

And work on show at Bolton Parish Church included photos ranging from breathtaking landscapes to portraits.

Two award-winning photographs are pictured on this page.

Sharples amateur photographer Mike Williamson's picturesque view of Smithills Dean Road looking towards Bolton Town Centre, shown on the left, was taken during the snowfall of New Year, 2002.

It scooped the Bolton Evening News's best slide award.

Picture editor Richard Rollon gave the Bolton Evening News award for print of the year to Jeff Fernley, of Tong Fold, Bolton, for his black-and-white entry shown above which was titled "Ruddy Weather".

It shows a candid scene outside a butcher's shop in Bury Market back in 1979.

The exhibition featured a total of 124 prints and 132 slides.

Among the prints were stunningly vivid close-up shots of wildlife. Others included a couple on a beach, an artistic view of the Tate Modern art gallery and a man riding a penny farthing bicycle.

Bolton Camera Club has existed in various forms in the town since 1897.

Don Tonge, a member of the club, said: "A few years ago the club was in real danger of folding, but I think with the use of digital cameras more people might be interested in joining."

Members meet on Thursday evenings at 8pm at the Trinity Methodist School Hall, Bury Road, Tonge Fold.