YOUNG photographers in Weston-super-Mare are encouraged to join a competition to capture the town’s architecture.

The Weston Civic Society is asking photographers to “capture Weston's amazing architecture through the lens of your camera”.

Those taking part are encouraged to “think grand buildings and historical details” and “let the spotlight shine on the timeless buildings themselves”.

The Mayor of Weston, John Crockford-Hawley, who supported the competition, said: "Most youngsters own mobile phones and regularly post photos for their friends to see but standing for a few moments gazing at a specific building might be unusual.

“This Civic Society initiative will encourage secondary school students to use their natural curiosity and technical skills to look, capture views, enter a competition, and earn recognition for their efforts.

“Look up and you'll see much of Weston as it was. You might even spot sympathetic modernisation at ground floor level, in which case point the camera, record what you see, and let the older generation know your thoughts."

The competition is open to young photographers between 11 and 17.

The top three photographers will win prizes.

First place gets a whopping £100 voucher, second place nabs £50, and third place walks away with £25.

All vouchers are for Camera World or Amazon.

A panel of judges, including a pro photographer, will be picking the winners.

The panel's decision will be final. Submit your entries with your name, age, and address by email to the Mercury - WestonMercury.Newsdesk@newsquest.co.uk - by the closing date, July 31, 2024. 

For more information, visit the civic society's website - https://www.westoncivicsociety.org.uk/photography-competition 

John Crockford-Hawley is Mayor of Weston, North Somerset Council's Heritage Champion, and a former teacher who regularly writes and lectures about Weston's history.