Well-known photographer Carmel Psaila has retired from the administration of the Malta Photographic Society after 45 years on the executive committee.

He pledged to continue giving his support to the newly-elected committee and share his vast experience with society members on the art of photography.

Mr Psaila served for 36 years as honorary secretary and nine as president.

The society grew from a handful of members meeting on school benches in the corridors of the St Augustine Priory in Old Bakery Street, Valletta to its present national standing with premises of its own and about 200 members.

Mr Psaila holds international distinctions from international photographic federations.

An international judge, lecturer and exhibitor representing the society in no fewer than 10 international congresses organised by FIAP, the International Federation of Photographic Art, Mr Psaila received FIAP's highest honour, the HonFIAP distinction, in 1993.

In 2004, he was made honorary fellow of the Malta Photographic Society. His most recent achievement was the Paul Harris Fellowship presented by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International through the local branch of Rotary La Vallette "in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world".