And his love of brass band music has led him to becoming the photographer for Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band, of which he is a non-playing member.

Mr Ratcliffe, of Hove Edge, Brighouse, is a part-time design and technology teacher.

But when not at school he likes nothing better than taking photographs and his images cover various subjects.

Click the 'play' button to watch a slide show of Gordon's stunning photography.

During the summer he likes to tour agricultural shows and particularly likes the challenges of sport and firework displays.

"Firework displays are always better if there is a recognised building or landmark in the picture," he says

He still sometimes uses film but accepts the advantages of digital photography and said it was catching up in quality.

Recently, he was voted Yorkshire regional winner in the Country Land and Business Association centenary photography competition.

His entry, from Keighley Agricultural Show, showed rosettes fixed on to fencing with cattle out of focus in the background.

His best prize came in 1984 when he won a trip to the Los Angeles Olympics in a magazine competition.

"Photography is my hobby. I do not do weddings and if I did it with a view to earning money it would not be relaxing," said Mr Ratcliffe.