A PROFESSIONAL photographer, who has recently moved from Cirencester to Cricklade, is celebrating his 40th year in business.

Graham Light of Abbey Studios Ltd spent 39 years in the capital of the Cotswolds before moving to the north Wiltshire town and says his business is still going from strength to strength.

Graham now concentrates much of his time on running photography workshops and individual tuition, a business mentoring service and photography holidays in both the UK and abroad, while still offering portraiture and commercial work.

He leads an annual photography holiday in Tuscany, last October 14 guests joined him, while locally he leads workshops at Westobirt Arboretum.

Abbey Studios claims to be the oldest photography firm in the Cotswolds, as it was established in 1870 by Mortimer Savory.

Graham, who is a member of the British Institute of Professional Photographers, assumed ownership in 1978 and inherited hundreds of glass plate and film negatives documenting Cirencester’s history, including royal visits. “My work has taken me acrossmany locations both in the UK and overseas”, he said.

“Over the course of those years I have had the privilege to meet and work with many wonderful people, including some more well known names and celebrities.

"I am proud to have been associated with Cirencester for such an extended period and I hope to continue that association for many years to come."

For more information go to abbey-studios.co.uk