SNAPPERS capturing the beauty of north Shropshire have been recognised as the winners of Whixall Marina’s 2023 photography competition which were announced last week.

Running from early August to late September, the competition sought to celebrate the outstanding beauty on Whixall’s doorstep under the theme ‘Wild Whixall’, with 79 entries celebrating the historic area’s wildlife and community.

First place was given to Lynne Stokes of Prees while Chloe Jones, from Whixall, picked up second and third was Helen Owen who lives in Wem.

OTHER NEWS:

The Young Photographer’s Prize was awarded to 13-year-old Phoebe Lawrence from Northwood.

Lynne’s winning photograph featured a frosty gate framing the landscape beyond, while Phoebe’s focused on a mother cow and calf feeding on a blue-skied day.

Prizes included café vouchers up to £50 and printed canvases were presented to the two winners at a prize-giving held at Whixall Marina’s waterside café.

Phoebe, whose photograph of a mother cow, Fren and her calf Ken caught the eye of judges, was particularly pleased to win because of the sad news that followed her photograph being taken.

“Sadly, Fren passed away not long after I took this photo,” she said.

“She was an amazing mum to Ken.

“We have wanted a photograph of her up in the house ever since she died – so I am very happy to have won.

“I love spending time with the cows and will lie down next to them in the field to take photographs of them.”

“You couldn’t have a happier winner,” her mother added.

Get in touch

Share your views on this story by sending a letter to the editor. To get in touch email news@whitchurchherald.co.uk, or fill in the form on this section of our website.

Eight photographs that were entered into the competition have been printed as postcards, which are available to buy in the Whixall Marina Café.

All proceeds will be donated to Shropshire Wildlife Trust.

Whixall Marina is situated on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal and offers moorings and holiday accommodation.