A DORCHESTER photographer is celebrating after snapping up another award.

Andy Whale walked away with the coveted Peter Grugeon Best Fellowship 2013 title at the BIPP (British Institute of Professional Photography) National Professional Photography Awards.

It is not the first time Andy, who was made a fellow of the BIPP last year, has been recognised for his work.

Last year he won a southern region award from the BIPP for a portrait taken at the Cultural Olympiad that coincided with the Olympics.

In 2011 he also won a BIPP silver award in the people and portraiture category.

Andy said he was delighted with the latest accolade.

He said: “I got the fellowship last year, which is the top level, and pieces I submitted they basically chose as the best from throughout the UK.”

Andy added that it was good for the area to see a Dorset based photographer claiming such a major award.

He said: “I’m very chuffed, it’s brilliant.”

The awards were held at Hartwell House in Bucking-hamshire with the Peter Grugeon awards named after the late fellow of the BIPP who is best remembered for his renowned images of the Queen in honour of her Silver Jubilee in the 1970s.

BIPP assessors were able to nominate the best qualification submissions from members throughout the years and Andy claimed the fellowship award for his portfolio of portraiture.

President of the BIPP Roy Meiklejon said: “It is an honour to acknowledge the achievements, pure skill and dedication of professional photographers.

“Those who have received awards produced some beautiful and original images which truly stood out from the crowd and encompassed what being a professional photographer is really about.”

Andy worked in London for more than 20 years before moving back to his home county of Dorset around six years ago, setting up his Seven Springs Studio in Herringston. While more awards may come his way in the future, Andy said his focus now was working with his apprentice Lydia Cobb and helping her work towards her first level entry with the BIPP.