For the past two years, Demotix has been gathering and distributing news-based photography fed by a network of 10,000 stringers, local freelance photographers and citizen journalists. Now, Press Association Images will handle the distribution of these images to UK and Ireland-based clients.

"By working with Press Association Images, the photography arm of the UK's national news agency, Demotix will increase the exposure of its members' photographs in the UK market," the two companies have said in a press statement. "Press Association Images, which is working to increase its portfolio of world photography, anticipates high demand for the fresh perspective offered by 'street' photographers."

As part of the deal, Press Association Images will take a cut from the top, Turi Munthe, Demotix' CEO tells BJP, "though smaller than the average for the industry," he says. "Demotix and our contributors will continue to split the rest on our standard 50/50 arrangement. Since we are running this agreement only to PA customers we have no access to otherwise, this represents only 'cream' for us and our contributors."

Martin Stephens, managing director of Press Association Images, adds: "We are excited to be working with user-generated photographs for the first time, and believe these images will not only add a unique and personal perspective to our 100-year-old archive, but provide our customers with a new angle on world news."

For more information, visit www.demotix.com and www.pressassociation.com/images.