A DROITWICH photographer has been named as an Associate of the Royal Photographic Society (ARPS).

Stewart Bourne had to put together a portfolio of 15 images of exceptional standard, with a written statement outlining what his work is intended to do.

Mr Bourne has lived in Droitwich for the past 30 years, and he had worked as an educational researcher in local government, but when he retired a few years ago, he decided to take up photography, and set himself the challenge of gaining the licentiate and now the Associate membership of the RPS.

The photographs used for the portfolio represent a personal reaction from Mr Bourne to modern urban landscapes, and the way they can leave people feeling alone and small. They are mostly in black and white, but retain some touches of colour for effect and emphasis.

He said: "The images were taken in a number of English cities and I processed them to emphasise the atmosphere and feelings I wanted them to evoke. Achieving the ARPS was a very interesting challenge - and proves you're never too old to learn and develop."

Mr Bourne is a member of Droitwich Photographic Society, Droitwich Arts Network, and Worcestershire Camera Club. To see more of his images, visit bourneimages.smugmug.com/.