Snapshot of Brighton passer-by scoops prize

Joe Mochan was meandering along Brighton's seafront when he was asked to pose for a picture by a stranger. Suspicious at first, he came round to the idea after the man explained that he was a photographer putting together portraits for a competition and he only wanted a "very informal, quicky shot".



The encounter was over in less than five minutes and Mr Mochan thought nothing more of it. That is, until yesterday, when the photographer in question, Richard Boll, scooped the National Portrait Gallery's prestigious £12,000 prize for the striking portrait, "Joe".

Mr Mochan, 37, who has previously been homeless and is living in a hostel in Brighton, was delighted by the idea that his portrait now hangs in the gallery.

"I thought it was weird at the time when he asked me. I usually walk around looking a bit glum. God knows why he was drawn to me, and I asked him if he was doing a college course. I am so proud that it's in the National Portrait Gallery and I will go and see it," he said.