A member of the Wanstead and Woodford Photographic Society has been awarded one of the most prestigious photography titles in the country.

Robert Gibbons, who has been a member of the club for several years, has been given an associate distinction by the Royal Photographic Society (RPS).

Mr Gibbons, of Dames Road, Forest Gate, has worked for over a year to produce his 15-photograph portfolio, focusing particularly on flowers.

The associate distinction is just one step away from the RPS fellowship, the highest achievement level possible.

Communications officer for the society David Tyrell said: “He has worked extremely hard and to have been given such a prestigious prize by the most revered photographic organisation in the land is quite something.”