TO most eyes it is an unavoidable bit of street clutter. But to Jim Judges, the humble bus stop is worth its wait in gold.

The former York resident has travelled the length of Britain photographing the best examples, including a rather austere number in Osbaldwick.

His calendar is a celebration of this unsung stalwart of our urban landscape. Stop to think for a moment, and you can see his point. These are not merely places to wait for a bus. For those grabbing a chip supper, they are an al fresco restaurant. For young lovers, they are a romantic rendezvous.

And for hopeful singletons they can even be a marriage bureau - just ask Jim, who met his wife waiting for a bus in Nottingham.

Updated: 10:37 Thursday, November 24, 2005