Prize-winning photo shows LOVEly Northumberland

The winner of a photo competition celebrating all that is LOVEly about Northumberland has been announced.

A photo of Alnmouth taken by Andy Robson from Cramlington was chosen as one of the best illustrations of the county, in a challenge run under the banner of the LOVE Northumberland campaign.

A huge number of fantastic images of Northumberland were submitted by budding photographers from across the area – making the task of short-listing and choosing a winner a very difficult one!

Launched on Valentine’s Day, the challenge to find the amateur snapper who has captured their favourite view of Northumberland brought in over 240 photographs from more than 80 people.

Winning photographer Andy Robson said:  “My interest in photography only started a few years ago when I got a new camera as a Christmas present.  I love the outdoors and love taking photos as a hobby, especially in Northumberland where I live. 

“There are so many places to visit with spectacular locations.  Northumberland has everything from beautiful villages, fantastic unspoilt coastline, castles and great people!

“I have also taken photos of Northumberland’s industrial past including ports, harbours and mining areas.  I particularly enjoy getting up early to see Northumberland at sunrise!

“I would like to thank the judges for recognition of my images of Northumberland, because there were some great photos uploaded to facebook as part of the competition.”

Andy has received £50 worth of garden centre vouchers as his prize and other short-listed entries will also feature in an exhibition in one of the county’s libraries, and in a gallery on the council’s facebook page.

Councillor Roger Styring, deputy leader of Northumberland County Council, was part of the judging panel.  He said:  “The standard of photographs entered in the competition has been extremely high so it was very difficult to single out a winner.

“We are pleased that we will be able to feature the winner and other short-listed entries in Northumberland News, in an exhibition and online, so that they can be widely seen and enjoyed.  We will also be using some to promote our beautiful county as part of the LOVE Northumberland campaign.”

Love Northumberland – Caring for our county is an exciting campaign that aims to promote the work of Northumberland County Council and its partners in preserving and improving the environment in the county, celebrating community spirit and promoting pride in the county.

Find out more at www.northumberland.gov.uk/love