TWO Forest of Dean College photographic students have been awarded international distinction by gaining licentiateship of the Royal Photographic Society.
Derek Simmonds of Cinderford and Caroline Taylor of Coleford each submitted portfolios of 10 photographs to a panel of society fellows for judging.
Their approval means the pair can now put the prestigeous initials LRPS after their names.
"I am very pleased. It is a big honour," said Caroline, who with Derek is a member of the Millennium Photographic Group which is documenting leisure activities in and around Monmouth.
Their pictures together with other material will be exhibited in Monmouth in the New Year.
And Caroline currently has an exhibition running at the Syreford Gallery in Cheltenham, where some of her prints are for sale.
The Royal Photographic Society, founded in 1853, is the most prestigeous international photographic society and has long been recognised for the promotion and maintenance of high photographic standards around the world.
The awarding of distinctions is fundemental to the society's promotion of standards of excellence, universally respected by amateur and professional photographers alike.
Derek and Caroline studied under tutor Sam Hughes at Five Acres – details of photographic courses at the college can be obtained on 01594 833416.
Anyone interested in joining the Monmouth Millennium Photographic Group should contact Sue Bezani on 01600 715697.