A BRIGHOUSE photographer has won a top title.

Joanne Doody, who runs her own photography business, was named social photographer of the year in the Yorkshire heat of the British Institute of Professional Photography Awards.

Kate Cooper, of Bailey Cooper Photography in York, was named commercial photographer of the year in the same competition.

The two women - Joanne is seen on the left - were presented with their trophies by institute president Tony Freeman.

Joanne, 32, who runs J D Photography, said: "It's a real honour to be recognised in this way - and for us girls to come out on top in a traditionally male-dominated industry."

She is a former policewoman and has been a full-time photo- grapher for just two years, concentrating on weddings and portraits.

Both women go forward to the national awards in October, when their work will be judged against professional photographers from across the UK.