RUGBY is in the picture at a new exhibition of images by Oxenhope man John Ashton.

The keen photographer, whose work regularly appears in the Keighley News, has been taking distinctive pictures of rugby union matches for several years.

Many of these photographs are on display at Bradford Industrial Museum until July 5 in an exhibition entitled Rugby Union Yorkshire.

The display is backed by the Yorkshire RFU, and includes teams such as Yorkshire, Yorkshire Under-20s, Otley, Bradford & Bingley, Ilkley, West Park Leeds, North Ribblesdale, Skipton, Yorkshire Women and the Bumble Bees Barbarians.

Mr Ashton regularly photographs rugby matches, athletics competitions, Manorlands fundraising walks and live music gigs, and many of these have appeared in the Keighley News.

Mr Ashton is a freelance photo archive assistant at Bradford Industrial Museum, which is in Eccleshill.

A museum spokesman said: “With a television audience of millions and the planet's greatest players, the Rugby Union World Cup is upon us in Autumn 2015, with two group games being played in Yorkshire.

“By way of a contrast this exhibition of photographs by John Ashton concentrates on those who turn out to play week after week throughout the county in all weathers.

“Men and women, boys and girls of all abilities, watched by far fewer people, paid far less (if at all), they are the bedrock of the game and deserve to be celebrated.”

Rugby Union Yorkshire is just one of several exhibitions this year at the Industrial Museum.

Speedway 2015, running until November 1, follows the success of a small exhibition in 2012.

Thanks to the support of enthusiast John Murphy and his connections within the Speedway community, this larger exhibition is able to provide an insight into the fast-paced sport of Speedway.

The museum spokesman said: “Despite its ups and downs, Speedway continues to maintain a strong following worldwide.

“Motorbikes, racing suits, memorabilia, photographs and video footage will give visitors a glimpse into the world of Speedway."

Lad Wi' Camera is an exhibition showcasing the early photography of Christopher Pratt, until November 15.

Christopher Pratt II, grandson of a well-known local businessman,grew up in Bradford, indulging his passion for photography.

His early work photographing the things, places and people he loved is a fascinating social record and captures the city on the brink of change in the early years of the 20th century.

Visit bradfordmuseums.org/whats-on or call the museum on 01274 435900 for further information.