Record number of entries for Rugby Rotary Young Photographer competition

The Rugby Rotary Young Photographer Competition received a record number of entries this year.

Each entrant was tasked to send in three photographs maximum size A4 portraying their own interpretation of the theme ‘Through My Eyes’ along with a small description of what inspired them to take the photograph.

There were 100 entries from schools across Rugby & Rugby Beaver Scouts.

Professional photographer Jamie Grey and Sally Gooden, arts development officer, Rugby Art Gallery & Museum short-listed the entries down to the final six for the three categories.

It was then down to Mike Baker, former chief photographer of the Rugby Advertiser, to choose the overall final winners.

The remaining runner up entries will be awarded a special ‘Highly Commended’ certificate at the upcoming exhibition in Rugby.

The winners are: Junior = Ava Morley, 9, Independent Entry ‘A Snail’s Pace Intermediate = Raphi Kane, 12, Princethorpe College ‘A Monument of Pebbles on a Summers Day’ Senior = Isabella Goodridge, 15, Ashlwan School ‘A Rainbow of Brollies’.

Rotarian Terri Morgan, from Rotary Club of Rugby Saturday Breakfast, competition and exhibition organiser said: “It is an absolute pleasure and a privilege to be involved with such motivational young talent in Rugby year after year.

“It was always my ambition to display all of them in the Floor One Gallery. This year thanks to the kind sponsorship of the Hinckley & Rugby Building Society we have achieved it. This allows me to display all entries rather than just the best one of three.”

Mike Baker, head judge, said: “It is very rewarding to be part of such a remarkable Competition/Exhibition as the number of entries continues to grow and the standard exceptional.”

Terri added: “If you are in town over the next couple of weeks the exhibition is well worth a visit, (free entry) to view for yourself the inspirational work on display.”

The winners will presented with £50 cash and a certificate from the Rugby Mayor Bill Lewis tomorrow (Saturday) at the Floor One Gallery, Rugby Art Gallery and Museum at 10.30am.

The exhibition runs until February 21. The winning entries will automatically go through to the Rotary District final.