CHIPPENHAM business The Photo Club, in partnership with Chippenham Local Youth Network, has announced with winners in its Chippenham Young Photographers Competition. The theme of the competition was 2020 Vision, and it opened in February, with entries submitted until May, for ages 11-19.

Kez Hakwins, founder of The Photo Club, said: "We have had a huge amount of talent entered. I am impressed with the young people who continued their creative outlet during the difficult times in lockdown.”

Kez visited local youth clubs and schools in February to deliver photography activities and offered free photography workshops, giving away photography tips and techniques, to inspire young people to take part. Young people from all over Chippenham and the surrounding area joined in, from complete beginners, to smartphone users and those studying photography.

Kez even went live on Instagram with Danielle from The Rise Youth Team and interacted with young people during lockdown to help inspire more entries.

The competition was left open to interpretation and young people were asked to title their photographs relating to 2020 Vision.

The competition was split into 3 categories, and the winners were:

Ages 11-13, 1 Thomas Martin (12), The pathways to the sky’s; 2 Sophie Collins (13), One rainy day; 3 Emilia Pottle (12) Nature awakening.

Ages 14-16, 1Olly Cook (15), Double Vision; 2 Ben Woodhead (15), Life in lockdown; 3 Thomas Cocks (15), Garden Blue-M.

Ages 17-19, 1Bethany Gray (19), Dusk at spey shore; 2 Leo Thompson (17), Colour college; 3 Fran Harman (17) Louis.

At the end of August a socially distanced awards evening was held, where the winners came to collect their prizes and see each others photographs. Cllr Peter Hutton, chair of Chippenham Local Youth Network, thanked Kez for all the work she has done to create a successful photography club, for the second year running.

He said “Be sure to keep in contact with The Photo Club for details as to when the next photography competition will take place during the winter months.” This will be announced on social media pages /chippenhamlocalyouthnetwork and www.thephotoclub.co.uk

For many the competition sparked a new hobby and interest in photography and some young people are now pursuing media/photography in education this September.

The Photo Club aims to teach young people photography, inspiring through self expression, creativity and imagination. With photography projects for ages 7-19, youngsters can learn new skills and be creative. The Photo Club aims to improve self-expression and motivation and focuses on activities to help mental health and wellbeing while capturing great images and having fun.