Happy snappers receive awards

Matlock Town Council handed out trophies to the winners and runners up of its 2012 Matlock Photographer of the Year contest.

Highfields School pupil Morgan Abbotts took home the under 16s trophy for his picture of a tree by the side of a railway track in Darley Dale.

The 15–year–old, of Darley Dale, said photography was one of his hobbies, as well as cadets.

“I was walking by the railway and my mum saw the tree in the middle of the field and she said it looked nice because the weather was nice as well,” he said.

Danny Barwick stole first place in the 16 and over category with his photograph of moss–covered woodland above Highfields School in Lumsdale.

The 28–year–old, of Matlock, said: “I have always loved photography.

“I bought a nice camera years ago and in the last couple of years I have been doing it a lot more.

“It was amazing how the picture came out. It looks mystical.”

Netta Conquest, who now lives in Surrey but is originally from Matlock, took the runners up prize in the 16 and over category for her snap of the view over Matlock taken from St Giles churchyard.

Sarah Parkin, of Matlock, was also a runner up in the adult category with her picture of Riber castle in the mist.

Catherine Rawas, speaking on behalf of the town council, said: “Matlock Town Council were delighted with the response to the 2012 Photographer of the Year Competition, as with last year the standard of entries was impressive, the judges remarked on the range and quality of the entries and we look forward to seeing what 2013 will bring us."