KEEN amateur photographers were crowned during this year’s Ilminster Arts Centre’s Photographic Open.

Hundreds of pictures and prints were entered, with the standard of entries higher than ever. The overall winner was Sue Dyson, for her snap of Clevedon Pier.

Sue Gutteridge, with her photo called Spring, and Dennis Read, with his photo of Cattle Egret Preening, both finished joint-second.

Judy Craig’s photo of Porlock Beach, and Fiona Winter’s photo called Packham’s Triumph, were both highly commended by the judges.

Chard and Ilminster News photographer Aisling Magill was one of the judges for the event, alongside Chris Ackerman, and said she was impressed with the quality of the photos submitted: “The standard of work was very high and it is a great testament to the entrant’s that a competition solely for photographers is able to exist and thrive in this community. I hope it continues for a long time to come.

“My role in the judging was predominantly to give a technical eye to the proceedings and the quality of the work did not disappoint.

"The work of all the winners could sit easily alongside any professionals in galleries and magazines alike.”

The popular event, which draws entries from across the county, is now looking to host another separate competition for painters due to demand.

For more information visit the arts centre.