A WHITCHURCH vet and a 15 year-old schoolgirl have emerged as winners of Whitchurch Rotary Club's 2020 photography competition.

Amy Leather, who lives at Tilston and is a vet at the Leonard Brothers practice in Whitchurch, impressed judges with a sunset beach shot emphasising the isolation caused by the pandemic and an appreciation of the NHS.

The picture – which they described as 'technically excellent and outstandingly on-message' – won the 'Over-18' and 'Overall Winner' prizes.

Amy took up photography when her usual musical creativity, with Farndon and District Brass Band, was forced to lock down last year.

And the top place in the competition's Under-18 section was won by 15 year-old Whitchurch schoolgirl Martha Williams with a well composed picture showing how children reacted to the Covid year in appreciation of NHS heroes.

The judges – Chris Gittins (Whitchurch Photography), Holly Turner (Blossom Rose Photography) and Chelsea Lyons (photography teacher at Sir John Talbot's School) – based their choices not only on technical skill but also on following the main brief of what 2020 meant to people on a personal level.

They also added commendations and merit recognition although only the two main winners will receive cash prizes and be presented with their photos professionally printed and framed.

Club president Ian Fawcett praised the quality of all of the competition entries.

"We received some truly thought-provoking pictures," said Ian. "The overall standard was extremely high and the competition raised money that will help us support a variety of local charities and community causes at a time when traditional fundraising methods are proving so difficult."

'2020 in Focus' was sponsored by North Shropshire Home Care, Hatchers Solicitors, Whitchurch Photography and was supported by Barlows Electrical.

The full results are:

  • Over-18 section and overall winner: Amy Leather
  • Over-18 runner-up: Tim Watkinson
  • Over-18 highly commended: James Owen and Amy Leather
  • Over-18 merit awards: Richard Priestley, James Owen, Ron Parnell and Laura Butler
  • Under-18 winner: Martha Williams
  • Under-18 runner up: Samual Barlow
  • Under-18 highly commended: Mabel Hazlehurst, Joseph Sheridan and Samual Barlow