A RENOWNED Bury photographer's rare picture of the Kremlin in Moscow is expected to be snapped up by collectors at a New York auction today.

The black and white photograph of the external walls and towers of the building was taken in 1852 by the pioneering cameraman Roger Fenton, who was born in Crimblehall, Bury in 1819. It was one of the first photographs taken of the Kremlin by an Englishman and bidding at Sotheby's is expected to be fierce for the 7in by 8in print, which experts believe could fetch more than £17,000.

Fenton is best known for his collection of photographs taken during the Crimean War and earlier this year 17 of the pictures sold for a record £177,000 at auction.

He was the world's first accredited war photographer.

During his lifetime Fenton's fame spread and he was so respected that he was invited to take pictures of Queen Victoria and the Royal Family at Balmoral and Windsor.