TONY the barber and Dave the cobbler are the sort of craftsmen whose skills we may sometimes take for granted.

But now they - and other traders - are among the stars of a photography show. Levenshulme business owners, managers and workers feature in a picture a exhibition for the area's festival.

The portraits were taken by photographer and resident Rebecca Lupton, 22, to celebrate the characters who make a community and to remind people to make more use of local facilities.

Rebecca said: "There's a really strong sense of community in Levenshulme. There is a wide range of cultures living here and the local community has focused on keeping Levenshulme a safe and welcoming neighbourhood."

Rebecca started snapping business people a year ago, and the project gradually developed into the exhibition. The images are now on display at the Union Inn on Stockport Road.

She said: "Some key Levenshulme businesses have had to close recently. It is important local trading is encouraged."

Levenshulme Community Festival's Tony Hennigan, said: "The pictures really capture the spirit of people who live and work in the area. I really like the way that the pictures are given an almost `celebrity' edge to them. It's a bit like looking at a photo shoot for some showbiz magazine."

The exhibition, which includes a multimedia presentation, is one of four taking place before the festival ends on November 4. Others include a film screening by local film maker Lynda Gilbert, photos by a group of local children aged from three to nine, and the annual art exhibition from Bankley studios featuring the work of 30 artists.

For more information, visit levenshulmefestival.co.uk Tweet