Society member Paul Simpson who runs Simpson Photography in Dorset has just been named by the Wedding Photojournalist Association as the UK Photographer of the Year 2011 and additionally awarded second runner-up in the world.

The WPJA is a professional organisation comprising the best wedding photojournalists in the world. There are thousands of members spread across 66 countries and every continent. Competitions are judged by highly respected photographers which include Pulitzer prize winners.

Paul and his wife Debra, herself also a Society member and multi international award winning wedding photojournalist, live in East Stour, North Dorset.

Paul said: "To be ranked third in the world and first in the UK is something we could only ever dream of. We're both very proud."

The Society extends its congratulations to Paul on his achievement.