FOR years the fairer sex have fought to overcome male-imposed barriers – now the tide could be turning the other way.In a week when a female golfer made history by competing in a male-dominated top competition, men are facing hurdles of their own.

FOR years females have fought to overcome male-imposed barriers – now the tide could be turning the other way.

In a week when a female golfer made history by competing in a male-dominated top competition, men are facing hurdles of their own.

The Icon photograph group, which ranges in standard from relative newcomers to experienced photographers, has pushed men firmly out of the picture.

Formed in 1993, the 15-strong group is open exclusively to women and meets on a monthly basis to discuss photographic-related matters. The group is currently displaying its work at the Ipswich Tourist Information Centre.

Group member Lynda Robinson, a dentist in High Street, Ipswich, said: "We've had men asking if they could join but they're not allowed.

"We decided to have a women's group as there's not much competition. It's about helping each other with their ideas and discussing things."

A similar group is up and running in the Cambridge area but it is thought that Icon is one of the only female-only groups in the region.

The exhibition of their work features dozens of backdrops from around the world.

The group has previously exhibited in a range of locations in the Colchester area but has yet to showcase its skills in Suffolk.

Mrs Robinson, 51, of Chitts Hill, Colchester, said: "I've noticed they have exhibitions at the tourist information centre and I thought it would be a great location for us."

Nine members of the group, many of whom work in Ipswich but live in the Colchester area, are displaying their work.

David Stainer, manager of the tourist information centre, in Arras Square, said he was pleased to host the group's work.

"We like to provide a variety of exhibitions because it's not just tourists who come in, we get a lot of local people in here, he said.

"The exhibition area is booked up almost 100 per cent of the time and it's to show different things."

Some photographs at the exhibition, which runs until May 31, will be available to buy at around £45.

The timescape-themed exhibition is open from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Saturday.