For most video journalists on local newspapers, a big event is something to savour – a chance to show off your part of the world in its best light, writes our Video Blogger James Shaw.

This was very much the case when the Maplin UK Championships came to Telford last week.

I am a snooker fan, but having to edit a tape of Mark Selby playing a practice match nearly sent me to sleep.

With the main action out of the question (the BBC keeps that to itself) it was time to move on to the bits around the tournament.

The first option was to produce a “build-up” video, which was a cracking way to show something that the BBC simply does not really cover very often.

Hopefully, the viewers out there found my video on the build-up to the championships as much fun as I had making it. Did you know that the tables have to be put in place for two days before they settle?

For someone who relies heavily on the “hit and hope” method of snooker, this seemed a trifle unneccessary. I suppose that is why I don’t charge an appearance fee at my local snooker club. Well, unless you count the fines…

This was very much the same with the post-final press conference. Ronnie O’Sullivan was clearly in fine form as he celebrated his win – and for once, I managed to get in there before the BBC crew and got the lot.

Unfortunately, we could only use snippets . . . until we start getting unlimited bandwidth on a regular basis, we will be restricted to videos of up to five minutes. Sorry, that’s life.

The cameraman on my shoulder eventually gave up and found something interesting as Ronnie’s daughter played with the mobile phone I had left on the desk. I’m sure she’d had a go on the snooker game I’ve got on there . . .

Our video from that final press conference was also a chance to showcase a star in the making. Chris Hudson’s efforts in presenting that final video show that you never know when a good presenter will be hiding around the corner.

The tournament was also a superb chance to learn from the experts. The crews at the BBC are on another level when it comes to skill with a camera and it was a joy to watch them in action.

I also picked up some tips – it is no co-incidence that I used the walking method in a couple of my shots – as long as you zoom out as far as possible, these shots can often work well.

These boys are professionals and it shows – not all of their methods will work online, but many will.

Of course, Christmas is now upon us – Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone.

In our house of Onyx the cat and Blue the dog, that equals bizarre presents all round. Claire’s latest idea – bless her – is to buy the cat a harness for walking. Apparently they are legal (!!) and bearing in mind that Onyx is a house cat, it fits the bill for walkies.

Together with Blue in his blue and white coat (he WILL be an Albion fan), we will make quite a sight on Christmas Day afternoon.

Have a good one, everyone.