HEREFORD College of Arts has announced the results of its Young Photographer of the Year competition.

Budding photographers, aged nine to 19, were encouraged to enter by sending in an image that represented their take on the theme, ‘My Favourite Place’.

A spokesman said: "This year’s competition was sponsored by the Hereford Round Table, with Chairman Andy Banks acting as one of four judges with the tricky challenge of choosing their favourite photos.

"Other judges on the panel included Abigail Appleton – the College’s Principal and Chief Executive, College Governor Oliver Tomlinson, and the Herefordshire-based photographer Oliver Cameron Swan. The entries were incredibly dynamic, with a fascinating array of different approaches to the theme ‘My Favourite Place’ which made judging even more difficult."

The spokesman added: "After much discussion and poring over a brilliant collection of 150 entries, the judges finally reached a decision on winners in three age groups.

In the 9-11 years category, the winner in first place was Lucy Hall from Weobley High School "with a wonderful image taken on her family farm".

Anna Preece from Fairfield High School took a close second place, and Jody Heath from The Bishop of Hereford Bluecoat School came in at third place.

In the 12 to15 years age group, Ned Usherwood from The Steiner Academy won first place with an image of a boy nestled underneath a duvet with his favourite book.

In second place came Alex Ingram from Moreton Hall School, and in third was Charlotte Herdman from Bedstone College.

In the oldest age group, 16 to 19 years, Molly Jones from Llanfyllin High School won first place "with her beautiful photograph of her on a sailing boat in the setting sunlight".

Oliver Charles from Pershore Sixth Form Centre took second place, and Imogen Davis of Bedstone College came in third.

To celebrate Hereford's bid to become UK City of Culture 2021 special awards were also given to artists in each category who presented impressive images of Herefordshire. These prizes went to Jay Williamson (17) from the Art College, Nathan Hodges (15) from Lady Hawkins, and Lucy Hall (11) from Weobley School once again.

All entries and winning images are on display in the foyer of the Folly Lane Campus at the Arts College and can be viewed Monday to Friday, from 9am to 4.30pm until April 21.