The winning entry

Stunning landscapes, ancient monuments and museum exhibitions all featured in the entries to the Loughborough University photography competition.

Open to pupils aged from 11-14 at secondary schools across the East Midlands, the competition was launched in October by the University’s School of Social, Political and Geographical Sciences as part of Earth Sciences Week.

Entrants were asked to submit one image on the theme of ‘Geo-Heritage’.  The photographs could capture anything that highlighted areas of geological significance, from a beautiful landscape to engineered sites.

More than 50 entries were received and the judges – the University’s Professor Joanna Bullard from the Geography Department and Photographer Phil Wilson – had a tough job selecting their top three.

In third place was Annabel Dale from Leysland High School, Leicester, with her fantastic image of the Memorial Stand in Saint Andrews Church, Countesthorpe. In second place was Tom Harrington from St Crispins School, Leicester, with his stunning vista of Millstone Edge in the Peak District.  The overall winner was Ellie Kitsi from Derby High School, Littleover, with her breath-taking view over Edinburgh.

Speaking about the quality of entries Mr Wilson said: “I was really impressed with the standard of the photographs in the competition.  Real thought went into the composition to create some really dynamic images which perfectly matched the brief and made the most of the subject matter.”

Professor Bullard added: “The range of subjects was very broad, from the dinosaur in the Natural History Museum to the local vista of Beacon Hill.  The entries featured geo-heritage in many different forms and highlighted the importance of geology to our cultural and environmental wellbeing.  We were very impressed by the entries.”

Ellie has won a digital camera, with each of the runners up receiving Amazon vouchers.  All entrants have been awarded a certificate for taking part.