TIMES photographer James Bird was on the other side of the lens last Thursday when he celebrated 25 years of working for local newspapers. James, a well known face throughout West Devon thanks to his work for the Tavistock Times Gazette and Okehampton Times, was guest of honour at a special reception in the mayor?s parlour at Tavistock. James started work with the Tavistock Gazette in 1980 ? the paper merged with the Times three years later. Tavistock mayor Jenny Metcalf decided to mark James? ?silver? working anniversary with the special reception which was attended by family, friends and work colleagues. She praised his work for the community and his coverage of the duties of many mayors throughout the years. Those attending the reception included retiring MP John Burnett and his wife, Billie, town councillor and former mayor Ted Sherrell, and Times general manager Lyn Roberts and editor Colin Brent, who described James as ?a valued colleague?. James is pictured signing the visitors? book watched by his wife, Nicky, daughter Sarah, son William, his father Theo, and Cllr Metcalf. James said: I have been to many receptions in the mayor?s parlour over the years and it is a great treat for me and my family to be here today signing the visitors? book for my own reception.?