'The Hunter' Kevin Wooby

WWT Welney Wetland Centre have named five winners in the regional Spring heat of the WWT’s Photography Competition 2011 – 2012.

Two local amateur photographers have scooped three awards in the regional Spring heat of WWT’s Photography Competition 2011-2012, held in association with Canon.

Keen photographers have been snapping away in the hope that their photographs will make the cut among the thousands entered.

Alan Payne, a teacher at the College of West Anglia scooped two awards in both the People & Wildlife and Wetland Landscape regional categories after entering his photographs entitled ‘Flooded Fen’ and ‘Click’. Alan comments “I have never entered my photographs into a competition before and I am very surprised to win and very encouraged.”

Kevin Wooby, an electrician from Wisbech, Norfolk has been named the winner of the regional People’s Choice category after receiving over 200 votes for his photograph entitled ‘The Hunter’ on the WWT website. Kevin has always been a keen photographer and said that WWT has re-ignited his passion.

Flooded fen by Alan Payne

Alan and Kevin are two of five regional winners in this heat of the competition, held in celebration of Scott of the Antarctic expedition centenary and as the winners of the Spring heat regional Wetland Wildlife category, have won a place on a photography course, held at WWT Slimbridge.

Julie Ward, Centre Manager from WWT Welney says: “I have been amazed at the standard of the photography in this competition and hope that many more amateur photographers will be encouraged to enter.

I am looking forward to seeing the Summer collection of photographs of the wildlife on our beautiful Reserve, not only the fantastic birds but also some of the beautiful insects, flowers and scenes that can be found here.”

Alan and Kevin’s winning images will be going forward to the grand national final, held in the autumn, where their photographs will be presented to a panel of judges, including BBC Springwatch presenter, Chris Packham, where he will have a chance of winning a 3 day birds of prey workshop in the Czech Republic, courtesy of Tantra Photography.

The Summer heat of the WWT photography competition which is now open, where photographers can enter their prize pictures taken at WWT centres online at www.wwt.org.uk/photo until the closing date of 31 August 2012 where more fabulous prizes are up for grabs.

If you have entered your photographs into two of the previous heats in the WWT Photography Competition 2011 – 2012, this is your last opportunity to be in with a chance of winning the spectacular 12 day exploration trip to the Antarctic, arguably the most spectacular and certainly the most pristine wilderness on earth. To find out more, please visit www.wwt.org.uk/photo