OCTAGENARIAN, Eric Love, has snapped up a distinction from the world's most prestigious photographic society after 60 years developing his hobby.

The 84-year-old, of Upper Arley, has been awarded a licentiateship from the Royal Photographic Society after submitting 10 pictures for judging.

His success came at the second attempt, having previously failed to impress the judges two years ago, when fellow Kidderminster Camera Club member, Maureen Mundon, persuaded him to have a go.

"I've been doing photography for 60 years and I'd never heard of this distinction until I joined the camera club 15 years ago," said Mr Love.

"Maureen dragged me down to the society's headquarters in Bath a couple of years ago and she got it, but I didn't, so I thought I'd try again," he added.

He has no plans, however, to go further and to try for the higher ranked associate or fellow distinctions.

Mr Love enjoys taking various categories of photographs and several of those submitted to the judges were taken in his garden and around the Wyre Forest countryside.