Mark Steeples laid down the law in magistrates courts for years while harbouring ideas of turning his passion for photography into a money earner.

Now that dream has become a reality.

Mark, of Thornhill Grove in Steeton, was an associate prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service presenting cases at magistrates courts in Bingley, Bradford and Halifax.

But in his leisure time he was out armed with his camera and capturing the landscape or focusing on portraits.

So when the service offered people redundancy earlier this year, he didn’t need a second invitation and snapped up the chance to follow his dream.

In March, he took the plunge and set up his photography business – mscape images. And to help pay his way, he also launched his own driving school, PassMark.

“I’ve always loved photography and this is a really exciting time for me, especially as I’ve already sold several images and won commissions,” said Mark, 49, who lives with his wife, Sarah, a teacher, and four-year-old daughter, Chloe.

“While I was working, I considered dropping a day in court to pursue my photography, but divine intervention stepped in and I had the chance to leave.

“The driving instructing is ideal because the hours are very flexible and fit in well with the photography.”

Mark prefers taking his photographs on location, either in people’s homes or in natural settings, and takes along a ‘portable’ studio.

“The best compliment I can receive is when someone tells me I have captured the character of the landscape or the image,” he added.

His work is on show at Roland’s restaurant in Skipton Road, Utley, and will be on view at Cononley Arts and Crafts exhibition in the village institute on December 1.

It also featured in Gargrave Arts and Crafts Show.