The winner of the fourth annual Sewerby Hall/Bridlington Echo East Yorkshire Wildlife Competition has been announced.
After an incredibly close public vote, Jaki Sinclair-Maplethorp from Bridlington has been announced as the overall winner with her stunning close-up image of a bee collecting pollen, which was taken in the grounds of the Priory Church in the Old Town.
“I have recently started doing more macro photography and was delighted with the photo – but I’m also thrilled that the photo was voted the winner from all the entries.
“I started photography around ten years ago, but sharpened up my skills by taking a photography course run by ERYC, which was really helpful,” explained Jaki, who caught the photo bug from her husband Dean, who is also a keen photographer.
The picture was one of twelve selected by independent judges – including last year’s winner Kim Bone – for display in the Bluebell Wood in the grounds of Sewerby Hall & Gardens.
Each image was enlarged and displayed, and members of the public who visited the hall and gardens were able to vote for their favourite picture.
First runner-up in the competition was Lina Girling with her incredible picture of a long-eared owl taken near Kilham. Entitled “The Gate Keeper,” the image attracted the second most votes.
Simon Haire, with his wonderful close-up photo of a dragonfly sunbathing, was voted in third place. Both have won tea and cake at the Clock Tower Café at Sewerby Hall & Gardens.
Jaki wins a fabulous high tea for two at Tiffin & Co., on Promenade in Bridlington, a 16 x 24 inch canvas courtesy of the Bridlington Echo, and a 12-month season pass to Sewerby Hall and Gardens.
The competition was held in conjunction with the Wildlife Photographer of the Year. An initial entry of almost 200 images was whittled down to twelve, which then went to the public vote.
Marie Gascoigne, general manager at Sewerby Hall and Gardens, said: “I am always amazed at the fantastic pictures and talent of the photographers – congratulations to all the winners and all who were selected for display in the Bluebell Wood.”
Each of the twelve finalists has already received tickets to see the Wildlife Photographer of the Year, which was on display at the Hall. They also get to keep the photograph from the exhibition.
