A PROFESSIONAL honour has been awarded to a Bacup businessman.

John Turpin, joint owner of Waterbridge Gallery, in Burnley Road, has been accepted as a Member of The Guild of Master Craftsmen and is now a Master Picture Framer.

The Guild is a trade association with a tough selection procedure.

Heather Grey, a spokeswoman for the gallery, said: "It is a remarkable feat for someone who has been a picture framer for only four years.

"John is now in the same league as other prestigious members of the Guild, such as Fortnum & Mason, Harrods, Wedgewood, and Aston Martin."

The award allows him to display The Guild's Coat of Arms.