'Freddie' Flintoff is perhaps the best-known cricketer in the world, and definitely the most loved in the UK. Widely considered the greatest English all-rounder since Ian Botham, bars at cricket grounds immediately empty the moment he approaches the wicket. It was victory in the 2005 Ashes series that cemented Flintoff's place at the nation's heart, with his stunning performances helping ensure the Ashes were regained for the first time in eighteen years.

Uncompromising and extraordinarily moving, Assignments - The Press Photographer's Year is a unique reflection of twelve months of world events, as seen through the eyes of some of the finest news photographers working today. The Press Photographer's Year is an annual open competition showcasing the best press photography taken for and used by the UK print media, and is held in association with the British Press Photographer's Association (BPPA). Assignments - The Press Photographer's Year is the centrepiece of the competition. Edited down from over 6,000 submissions by an independent jury of photographers and picture editors, it reflects the kaleidoscopic nature of the human experience and includes many previously unseen images. Beginning with the aftermath of the Asian Tsunami, and ending with the trial of Saddam Hussein, 2005 witnessed events of major historic significance. From the death of the Pope to the London suicide bombings, from the Live 8 concerts to the marriage of Prince Charles, and from Tony Blair's historic third term victory to Hurricane Katrina and the devastating earthquakes in Pakistan, the world has been changed forever by the milestones, some tragic, some triumphant, of this eventful year. Assignments - The Press Photographer's Year records the news as it happens, where it happens. REVIEWS 'The high level of artistry represented here, even when produced in near-impossible conditions, is often awe-inspiring.' Metro, June 2006 'Every page turn reveals another striking image from the past year... an outstanding collection.' Digital Photo, August 2006 'This highlights the cream of the crop of last year's press photography... wherever there's violence, war, famine or celebrity, there are press photographers sending flashlights of truth into the darkness. A picture really can be worth a thousands words.' Gay Times, July 2006 'An uncompromising and moving chronicle of world events as seen through the eyes of the finest photographers at work today.' Wexas Traveller, Autumn 2006,