By Andrew Clarke

Last updated at 11:58, Thursday, 13 September 2012

A WHITEHAVEN man has captured a prestigious photography prize.

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Michael Bradley’s stunning photograph of a swan landing at Longlands Lake, Cleator, impressed the judges of the annual Copeland Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition and it earned him first place in the adult category.

And by photographing a snail found in her garden at Egremont, 15-year-old Kirsty Skivington’s image earned her first pace in the junior category.

Both Michael and Kirsty were presented with their prize at The Beacon museum on Sunday, and their winning photos will go on display for three months.

The Beacon launched the competition in March to coincide with its hosting of The Veolia Environment Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.

The competition received almost 80 digital entries and the tough task of deciding upon the winning images was given to photography group inFOCUS.

Due to the quality of entries received, eight finalists were named in the adult category and three in the juniors.

Second and third place in the adults went to Haverigg photographer Christine Redgate, while David Fox (Cleator Moor) and Chris Wood (Beckermet) were highly commended, and Malcolm Hendren (Whitehaven), Lorraine Rayson (Cleator Moor) and Jan Fialkowski (Cleator Moor) all commended.

In the junior category, Holly McGrady was second and third with her pictures taken at South Lakes Wild Animal Park.

“We were delighted with the quality of entries received into this year’s competition,” said Claire Winter-Moore, of The Beacon.

“We are very grateful to the competition sponsors, Furness Internet, and to inFOCUS for helping us with the competition and giving the residents of Copeland the opportunity to show off their photographic skills.”

To see a selection of this year’s entries visit The Beacon’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thebeaconmuseumwhitehaven.

First published at 11:09, Thursday, 13 September 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk