Last year an exhibition of black and white photographs taken by local resident Alan Stringer caused huge interest in Ross. He had spent several months visiting many of the independent shops in the town photographing their owners in their working environment.

The display, the first in the new Exhibition space in Ross Library was much visited and many commented that they would make a splendid book.

Now Ross-based publisher, Fineleaf Publishing, has just launched Portraits from a Small Market Town by Alan Stringer ARPS, DPAGB.

The book will be available from today, Wednesday, June 27th at Rossiters Book Shop proced at £12.95.

There will be a special event on Monday, July 2nd when Alan will talk about the pictures and many of them will be on display in the shop.

Alan is an enthusiastic photographer who is committed to the traditional craft of film photography and darkroom processing.

In 2010 he decided to explore the more informal side of portrait photography by taking pictures of local traders in their business environment.

From the outset the local business community cooperated and indeed showed great enthusiasm for the project.

Alan explains:?"Although the contents of this book are based on my home town of Ross-on-Wye I am sure similar images could be found in any number of small towns, and so provide a valuable snapshot of the range of local businesses that still manage to survive, in this instance in Ross."

It is obvious from the many and varied portraits that there is a wealth of talent and diversity, not only in the high street, but in the whole of this small market town. Find out more about Alan and his work at Rossiters Book Shop on Monday, July 2nd. This event is part of a week long celebration of independent b