A NORTH-EAST minister with an eye for photography has won national acclaim for his work.

Reverend Stephen Collinson, Minister in the Tees and Swale Pastorate of the United Reformed Church, has been awarded the Royal Photographic Society’s Licentiate distinction.

Mr Collinson, who has been a minister for almost 35 years, has been a keen amateur photographer for much of his life and regularly uses images during discussions in church groups.

To achieve his distinction, Mr Collinson submitted a portfolio of ten images that demonstrated good photographic techniques and worked well together, which included landscapes, architectural studies and still life.

“There’s a real sense of achievement in gaining my LRPS,” he said.

“Getting everything right was not easy. It’s not enough to have ten great photographs - putting together a panel of images that work together was frustrating at times.

“This was my third attempt, because the standard is high and any flaw is picked up.”

His winning photographs were on display this weekend at a special coffee morning at Northgate United Reformed Church, in Darlington.

To view his work visit imageandinspiration.wordpress.com