THE Royal Photographic Society has put Bolton in the frame by bringing its internationally acclaimed exhibition to the town.

The University of Bolton is the only university in the country to display a selection of images from The Royal Photographic Society’s (RPS) prestigious international print exhibition — and is the only place in the North West where the public can see them.

The RPS’ international print exhibition, which celebrated its 155th anniversary in 2012, is the longest-running of its kind in the world.

For the current collection, about 3,000 images were entered by professional and amateur photographers from around the world.

This was narrowed down to 123 for the final show, a selection of which are now on display in the university’s social learning zone.

After visiting Bolton, the collection will move on to north Wales, before heading to the Midlands.

The exhibition will then finish touring in May in preparation for the 2013 competition.

Ian Beesley is the University of Bolton’s MA photography programme leader and renowned social documentary photographer.

He said: “This is a great chance for people from around the region to see some fantastic photography and unique images. It really is an outstanding collection, and this really is the only time it will be in the region.”

Mr Beesley was recently in The Guardian newspaper’s “best photograph” feature, talking about what he thought was his best ever image.

Last year, he was awarded an honorary fellowship of The Royal Photographic Society, one of the highest honours a photographer can receive.

Speaking at the time he said: “It feels fantastic but slightly surreal, as I never imagined that I would receive such an award. There are only six awarded each year, so to be judged by your peers as being amongst the best of the best is unbelievable.”

The free exhibition runs until Sunday, February 17, in the Social Learning Zone in The Chancellor's Building.