Local wildlife filmmaker announces winners of Newton Abbot Museum’s wildlife photography competition.

Local wildlife filmmaker announces winners of Newton Abbot Museum’s wildlife photography competition.

BBC filmmaker Andrew Cooper has described the quality of entries to Newton Abbot Museum’s Wildlife Photography Competition as ‘truly wonderful’.

All the images were inspired by the museum’s summer exhibition that had showcased Mr Cooper’s work, seen by millions of people across the world on the small screen.

Pride of place in the Adult category went to Silver Levy-So for their shot entitled Fox Cubs on Dartmoor.

The Teen award was given to Lily Little for The Catch while the Children’s winner was Victoria Wolley with Dragonfly.

Entries from Chris Vincenti entitled Kestrel and Naomi Stolow (Gannet) were classed as Highly Commended.

Newton Abbot born and bred, Mr Cooper said: ‘It has been an absolute pleasure judging this year's entries.

‘The quality and diversity of the photography submitted across all age groups, from young children to adults, has been truly wonderful. ‘Capturing the natural world requires immense patience and a good eye, and these winning photographs highlight the amazing wildlife we have right on our doorstep here in Devon.’

The winners have received a £20 voucher for Austins Department Store and their photographs will be featured at the museum until 12 October.

Highly Commended entries will also be included.

Joanna Eccles, Curator at Newton Abbot Museum, said: ‘We are thrilled by the response to our Wildlife Photography Competition which ran alongside our summer exhibition celebrating wildlife filmmaking.

‘The work of our winners and commended entrants is exceptional and we would encourage everyone to visit the museum to enjoy local photography talent and be inspired by local wildlife.’

Image above shows Overall Adult Winner, Silver Levy-So shaking Andrew Cooper’s hand, with Lily Little’s mum and Highly Commended photographer Chris Vincenti in the background

13–17 Category Winner: Lily Little with The Catch

Andrew Cooper, Joanna Eccles and 5–12 Category Winner Victoria Wolley.