EVERY picture tells a story - especially when it's taken by Neil Marland.

Sale-born Neil retires this month, after 30 years as a stills photographer working with top stars at Granada in Manchester.

His photo archive documents a wide range of classic TV shows, including three decades of Coronation Street.

Neil's first assignment was to photograph legendary actress Pat Phoenix, who played Elsie Tanner.

"She was in a mischievous mood," he recalls.

He also pictured Doris Speed, who was feared Rovers landlady Annie Walker.

"It was a bit like being in front of royalty," he says.

Neil, 59, later portrayed the real thing when the Queen visited the cobbles, as well as other VIPs, including Prince Charles and Margaret Thatcher.

Under the watchful eye of his lens, Tony Blair was persuaded to remove his jacket to pour Jack and Vera a pint behind the bar of the Rovers.

One of Neil's favourite Corrie stars was Jean Alexander, still fondly remembered as Hilda Ogden. He was poised for action as she filmed a now famous scene.

It featured Hilda looking through late husband Stan's effects, including his glasses.

Emotional

"It was very emotional. Everone was sobbing. But as I approached, Jean sat bolt upright and said, `What picture do you want Neil? I'm only acting'.

"Julie Goodyear - Bet Gilroy - was also fantastic to photograph. At her leaving party she happened to `engineer' that the fire brigade would turn up.

"I got this great picture of her being carried away by all these hunky firemen."

Neil worked with Shrelock Holmes star Jeremy Brett, Robbie Coltrane on Cracker and Helen Mirren, when Prime Suspect was filmed in Manchester.

"Always gorgeous and glamorous, she loved being photographed in horrible surroundings - the scruffier the better," remembers Neil.

"The iconic picture that most people remember is one that I shot of her through a broken window. We did that at a disused goods park at the back of Piccadilly station."

Back in Weatherfield, Neil captured Sir Ian McKellen as dodgy novelist Mel Hutchwright.

"Technically the most gifted actor I've ever seen," says Neil.

He photographed many other famous names, including Anthony Wilson, David Jason, Caroline Quentin and the cast of Cold Feet, as well as working on programmes like Stars In Their Eyes, University Challenge and The Krypton Factor.

"I wouldn't change it for anything," he says. "I never felt that I could better the job, working with a company that's produced such fantastic programmes."

A favourite photo is of James Nesbitt as Adam in Cold Feet, scattering the ashes of screen wife Rachel at Portmeirion in North Wales.

"I always remember that as a very strong image, a sad and poignant picture," said Neil. "It's like the end of an era."
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