WELL done to Boroughbridge-based master photographer Andy Hopkinson, of FNS Photography, who snapped up a Merit Award in a national photographic competition for this perfect pooch portrait.

The nice people at FNS sponsor our photo of the month competition, and do all sorts of professional photography.

The picture is of Jasper, a black labrador, owned by Emily Bramley, of Whixley, near Knaresborough - and of course, inevitably, there's a cute story behind it.

Emily runs Happy Days Pet Care, a new professional dog walking and small animal care service.

She commissioned FNS Photography to create a portrait of Jasper, aged three, who is a rescue dog from the Labrador Rescue Centre.

Andy said: "I am delighted that the portrait of Jasper has received this recognition. At FNS we aim to capture truly distinctive images that tell a real story and believe the resulting photograph of Jasper, entitled Wait!' is a true impression of this cheeky chap."

And Emily? She tells us: "The portrait was just Jasper. I am absolutely thrilled with the picture which really captured his inquisitive nature.

"Jasper is still very much a puppy at heart and the shot showed his cheeky, yet fun and friendly personality.

"I am keeping my fingers crossed for Andy that the image is successful in the national final."

Grand chance for would-be Kings

THERE'LL be heartbreak in York later this month - when the city plays host to (yes, you guessed it) the Official Elvis Presley Fan Club of Great Britain.

The club (we'll call them OEPFCGB for short) is celebrating its 50th birthday with a concert tour which will hit the city's Grand Opera House on Saturday, May 26.

It's all part of a nationwide search for Britain's Best Elvis 2007.

Bizarrely, the contest is open to both male and female Elvii - which, we are reliably informed, is the correct plural of Elvis.

The York winner will go through to a grand final held in Blackpool - where else? - in June.

Would-be contenders just need to show up at the Grand Opera House at 1pm on the day of the show, or give OEPFCGB a phone on 0844 800 6881 to find out more.

1:32pm Thursday 10th May 2007

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