PHOTOGRAPHER Chris Burfoot has been awarded a prestigious Associateship by the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain.

Mr Burfoot, 50, of Pembroke Photography in Market Place, Chippenham, had to submit a portfolio of work for approval by a panel of society judges.

He will now receive a certificate from the society's president, enabling him to use the initials ARPS after his name.

He sent in a selection of wedding and portrait photographs.

"I am delighted," he said. "I already lecture at the Royal Photographic Society so it is rather nice that when I run workshops I can put my qualification down."

The society makes awards to promote standards of excellence among amateur and professional photographers. It is still the most prestigious international photographic society, known for promoting standards around the world.

It has established its reputation worldwide with a programme of touring exhibitions, events and special interest groups.

Mr Burfoot is also an associate of the Master Photographers' Association.