Simulation (two left-hand panels) and real VMC data around LMC-ECL-09660 (two right-hand panels). In the simulation 20 000 stars are generated. The top panels show a classic K, (J − K) CMD. In the left bottom panel the 18 730 stars are plotted that are within the colour selection box, in the T, (J − K) CMD. The blue solid lines indicate the derived location of the TRGB, and the blue dashed line is the mean T, (J − K) relation derived in the interval from the TRGB to one magnitude fainter, but shown for all magnitudes.