Cathal McNaughton (29), who now works for the Press Association, was named Fujifilm Photographer of the Year during the Picture Editors' Awards 2007 in London on Wednesday.

He also scooped the Olympus Royal Photographer of the Year and Olympus Nature and Environment Photographer of the Year titles.

Winners were announced at a ceremony in London's Guildhall, with awards presented by veteran war photographer and two times Pulitzer Prize Winner Horst Faas.

Judges were impressed by his portfolio, which included an Eastern White Pelican eating a pigeon at a park, and the Queen sheltering from the rain at the Lawn Tennis Association.

Since moving to London, Cathal has become a renowned photographer and has had a wide range of pictures published across the world.

The competition attracted more than 8,500 entries from photographers across the British Isles.

"I am really delighted to have won as the standard of entries was very high," he said. "I was competing against peers and photographers I have great respect for, so I was very surprised to have won all three titles. "

Cushendall-born Cathal, said there is "a bit of luck" involved in getting some photographs.

He took the pelican picture while taking a break from working nearby in Downing Street.

"I took a walk near St James' Park and there was the pelican who decided to eat a pigeon. It was most bizarre - and a bit distressing. But out of 70 or so shots, there was only one I could use, so definitely it is about being in the right place and the right time and a bit of luck," he said.

To view Cathal's gallery click here