A UNIQUE chance to learn the art of photography was snapped up by willing students whose work will be the subject of an exhibition this month.

Twelve budding photographers enrolled on a course run by Redbridge Homes in conjunction with Redbridge Institute of Adult Education.

Redbridge Homes has been running educational courses for years in a bid to educate residents and give them extra skills.

Andrew Radley, 51, of Dale Court in Grove Hill, South Woodford, heard about the courses when he received a letter from Redbridge Institute. “I have always been interested in photography, and have been taking pictures of things like stars since I was a teenager, but never had professional coaching.

“On the course we learnt about exposure, how to use Photoshop and about composition - the coaching I got from the tutors really spurred me on,” he added.

“I was inspired to take a photo of the old water pump next to Johnstone Pond in Woodford Green. “It was the striking blue tone of the pond and the way the tree drooped over the pump that captured my imagination - that was one of my pictures that will be on exhibition.”

It was also Kim Bennett’s first experience of professional photography classes.

The social worker of Althorne Gardens, South Woodford, said since the course she had been able to look at the borough creatively.

“There is a well at the corner of Hollybush Hill in South Woodford, I took a picture of it and it didn’t strike me as anything special, but when I showed it to the tutors they were impressed at the scene setting behind the picture with snow.”

Students were allowed to pick ten photos from the hundreds they had taken during the 12-week course, which did not prove an easy task for Mr Radley. “I had taken about 300, and each felt special to me.

A spokesman for Redbridge Institute of Adult Education said: “We want to give residents another string to their bow which is why we stage these lessons. “They are completely free as they are subsidised by ouselves and Redbridge Homes.” The exhibition will be at the Orchard Community Hall in Broadmead Road, Woodford Green from Monday for a week.

It will then move to Kenneth More Theatre, Oakfield Road, Ilford, from March 15 to March 25.

Those who do not manage to visit the exhibition during this time can do so in April when the exhibition will be on show again at Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford from April 11 to April 14, then finally at Redbridge Institute of Adult Education in Gaysham Avenue, Gants Hill later in the year from May 14 to May 20.