The winners of the Helston Climate Action Groups wildlife photography competition were announced this week.

The competition had categories for both adults (aged 16 and over) and children (15s and under).

The competition judges included award-winning wildlife photographer David Chapman and Helston's Mayor John Martin, who as well as being vice chair of our group, is also a professional photographer himself.

Along with Maggie Freegard from the Forest for Helston, they deliberated over the entries.

First prize of the 16+ category and winning a hamper worth over £150, went to Lorna Simmonds from Gweek, for her 'Fighting Pheasants' image.

The hamper is filled with goods from local producers who are part of the Helston Local Food Hub. The hub supports local food producers and enables our local community to buy fresh and seasonal local produce on a weekly basis via an online ordering and local collection service.

David Chapman said:

"Fighting pheasants is an image that combines action and colour to wonderful effect. One of the great aspects of still photography is the opportunity it gives to the viewer to study the detail in action which might have been done and dusted within a split second, and this shot does exactly that. Top marks to the photographer for being ready and able to capture this brilliant image."

The winner of the 15s and under category was 11 year old Jowan Penaluna, with his beautiful image of bluebell and insect. He wins a trip for two to Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary in Hayle.

Of Jowan's image the judges said:

"The photographer has done well to blur the background so making the subject of the photo stand out really well.

"It's great that the photographer has also managed to get not one, but two, subjects in frame and the composition of the image is well chosen with the bluebell leaning in from the bottom right of the picture, therefore, making use of the empty space to the left. A real nature photographer's picture."

The runner up in the 16+ category was George Naish with his photograph of Helston Lake.

The runner up in the 15s and under category was 13-year-old Liv Cooper with her photo of 'Frost on Leaves.'

Helston Climate Action Group added:

"With thanks to the judges and the businesses that have supported our competition.

"We are very grateful to the local businesses that have supported this competition by donating prizes to our hamper and they include, Primrose Herd, Sophie's Touch, Wild Pesto, Ruby June's Indian Kitchen, Cath's Cornish Kitchen, Trink Dairy, Penny's Pies, Chris' Bread and Preserves, Treveador Dairy, Trenow Fields, Kig & Keus, Kehelland Trust, Ewephoric Lamb, The Bread Shed and some goodies from Trevarno Organic Skincare.

"The hamper also includes other regular products from Helston Local Food Hub. Also, with thanks to Cornwall Wildlife Trust who donated runners up goodies."

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