He is among six top lensmen nominated for the UK Picture Editor's Guild Regional Photographer of the Year prize.

It puts him among the best of Britain's press photographers, picked from hundreds of entries.

He said: "I'm really pleased. This is one of the top awards for photographers so it means a lot that I've been nominated."

Judges include picture editors from leading national, regional and international publishers and agencies. Mr Ponty had to submit five photos to best represent the region.

They include a shot of the Queen's visit to Glasgow, the destruction of a Glasgow towerblock and Ally McCoist leaping into his colleague's arms.

He added: "I wanted a varied selection that would show Glasgow at its best. I like the colours in the photograph of the Queen, it looks bright and vibrant, while the tower block destruction was an iconic moment.

"That picture has a lot of drama, the way the building is tilting to the side."

Mr Ponty added a photograph from a fashion shoot and one from this year's T in the Park. Brodie Duncan, Herald & Times Group multi-media editor, said: "It's a wonderful achievement for Nick to be shortlisted."

Awards will be presented at the City of London headquarters of the Honorable Artillery Company on November 8.