A WEST Devon man, who has a learning disability, has come runner-up in a national photograph competition organised by mental health charity Mencap.

Ian Cole attended a glamorous prize-winners? ceremony in London?s Victoria and Albert Museum on Tuesday where he received a certificate and his prize of £50.

His winning photograph, which shows him playing the drums, went on display at the famous museum last week, where it will remain until March 13.

Ian?s picture is one of 30 winning entries in Mencap?s Snap! competition to be chosen for inclusion in the exhibition.

A panel of judges, including leading photographers David Bailey and Eamonn McCabe, picked out the best shots from more than 430 entries depicting the everyday lives of people with learning difficulties.

Each photograph was accompanied by a short story to put the image in context, which is displayed as well.

Ian?s picture carries the message: ?This photo is very special to me, as I remember the great fun we had all drumming together. I had to learn to follow, and drum in a special pattern. We all wore colourful shirts. I will always like this photo of me.?

Poignantly, the photograph was taken by Ian?s friend Steve Wyatt, who died last year. His widow is delighted that his picture will be displayed at the Victoria and Albert as a tribute to him.

Mencap?s head of communications, Sarah Talbot-Williams said: ?The photographs and stories give many differing perceptions ? both good and bad ? of what it means to have a learning difficulty in the UK today.

?While many of the photographs capture universal experiences such as love, work and happiness, others show, more specifically, the struggles still facing many people with a learning disability in their everyday lives.?