PICTURES taken by a North-East MP have won a place in a photographic showcase for politicians.

Images captured by Durham North MP Kevan Jones were selected to appear in the exhibition for this year's Jessops Parliamentary Photography Competition.

Mr Jones is one of scores of members from the Commons and the Lords who have an interest in photography.

Entrants to the competition included former Nato Secretary General Lord Robertson, ex-Chancellor Lord Healey, and, from the House of Commons, ministers Nick Raynsford and Jeff Rooker and speaker Michael Martin.

Austin Mitchell, the chairman of the Parliamentary All Party Photography Group, said: "Members of the two houses are more used to having cameras directed at them, so this a fantastic opportunity to reveal what they can do from the other side of the lens."

The annual exhibition, which attracted 3,000 entries this year, features pictures which were taken by parliamentarians during their duties, including those from their travels.

The best seven entries chosen by the judging panel each earn £100.

The prize money will be donated to the charity Cancer and Leukaemia in Childhood.

Members of the public will be able to view selected shots from the exhibition when they tour Jessops stores later in the year.