FOR the first time this year, Launceston Camera Club entered the Amateur Photographer of the Year (APOY), winning with a triumphant 490 point — more than double the 220 points the second-place competitor from Bristol had.

The annual competition, held by Amateur Photographer Magazine runs over the space of 10 months, each month involving a different theme, ranging from portraits to landscapes and black and white to the natural world. Open to all amateur photographers, it is also split into three categories with an individual winner, adult and junior, and a winning club. 

Commenting on the result, club chairman Nick Bodle said: “Over 70 clubs entered the competition this year and I am so proud of the club achieving such a fantastic result. The key to our success was encouraging so many (21) of our members to enter their favourite rounds and as a result we had three top 10 awards and no less than 35 entries shortlisted in all.”

Each monthly entry is professionally judged, short listed images earning 10 points with the top 10 gaining additional points. Points are then accumulated throughout the year to find the winner. The individual winner receives a £1,000 award, with Launceston winning £500.