Photographer Alan Forrest is heading back home on the back of his winning picture of a classic Northumbrian view.
Alan, born and bred in Berwick but who now lives in Coventry, took first prize in a photographic competition celebrating what is best about Northumberland.
The competition, launched Northumberland County Council’s Discover our Land campaign, attracted more than 600 entries.
Alan’s image of a winter scene of Bamburgh Castle won him a two-night stay for two people at The Amble Inn, courtesy of The Inn Collection.
“I regularly come back to Northumberland to visit family and the county is still very much in my heart,” he said. “I love taking photos in Northumberland and couldn’t believe it when I found out I had won. I’m really looking forward to coming back to enjoy my prize.”
Runner-up was John Haswell, of Stakeford with his shot of Cawfields on Hadrian’s Wall. The winner of the 16 & under category was Thomas Nichol, aged 16 and from Cramlington, with his picture of Roughting Linn waterfall in Northumberland.
They competition was judged by a panel including professional photographer Neil Denham, Iain Robson from the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership, and Duncan Wise from Northumberland National Park.
Revealed: The top 10 birds visiting gardens across the North East
Neil said: “The standard of entries was phenomenal and it was great to see the range of photos, with everything from professional photographers to youngsters keen to develop their hobby.
“What really captured our imagination was the weather and the changing scenery within Northumberland, which was present in a lot of the entries. The winning photos demonstrate that ever-changing mood and dramatic landscapes that make Northumberland such a much-visit destination.”
Many of the entries will now be used as part of the Discover our Land campaign, which is raising the profile of Northumberland as a place to live, work, visit and invest.
The campaign was launched after Northumberland was named ‘Best UK Holiday County/Destination of the Year’.
Cath Homer, cabinet member for culture, libraries, leisure and tourism from Northumberland County Council, said : “Our approach has focused on promoting Northumberland in a new way, of telling a strong and bold story about what we have to offer and what makes us unique.
Charity cancer founder's trek around British Isles reaches Dublin
“We’ve unearthed some inspirational stories - of success, of ideas, of adventure, and of community - but most of all stories of pride.”
The leader of Northumberland County Council, Peter Jackson, said: “Northumberland is the place for prosperity and innovation. We are a county that boasts international leaders in industry, investment-ready locations, welcoming communities, a rich history and proud heritage, and globally significant tourist attractions, culture and landscapes.”
