IT IS definitely a case of not what you know but who you know for a Trowbridge man who has scored the job of a lifetime as unofficial photographer for the England World Cup squad on their victorious return to Britain.

David Betteridge, 45, of Hawthorn Grove, is a personal friend of several players in the squad.

He has been photographing public events over the past fortnight celebrating the team's win over the Aussies in Sydney.

He joined the squad for Matt Dawson's benefit dinner last week and on Monday snapped the team on the parade bus through London before attending Lawrence Dallaglio's benefit dinner in Battersea Park, London.

Mr Betteridge, who works for Lloyds TSB in Bristol said: "Fortunately I can survive on very little sleep because it has been quite a hectic schedule.

"I have been very lucky and have done a lot of amazing stuff through my work but at the moment there's nothing bigger than this.

"I have landed on my feet."

"They do not seem to have changed at all since winning the World Cup.

"I asked one of the players why he looked so dazed when he got back and he said it was a mixture of jet lag and the awesome reception they have had since getting home.

"The guys are very down to earth. They are not prima donnas and in a way I think a few of them are a little bit wary of

all the attention."

Fly-half Jonny Wilkinson spent much of the bus parade through London standing behind his teammates.

Mr Betteridge said: "He was not there at Lawrence Dallaglio's dinner and has missed a few events since they got back.

"It must be intimidating for him as he is naturally a quiet, shy, guy and to suddenly see thousands of people wearing a shirt with your name on must take some getting used to."

"The interest in rugby has increased since the World Cup win and that has to be good for the sport and will attract a lot more sponsorship.

"I hope that means the game develops at grass roots level."