A YOUNG photographer inspired by the environment has won a coveted Skelmorlie Camera Club competition.

Maddie Fox has been named as the group's Young Photographer of the Year 2021 for her striking image of face mask litter which caught the eye of judges.

A club spokesperson said: "It was clear from the entries that the young people were concerned with the issues raised by the Cop26 event and also the impact that the pandemic was having on all of us.

"The standard of the entries were consistently high.

"It is evident that the young people had put a lot of thought into their images.

"The competition was open to young people of school age and the club is particularly grateful for the support given to the event by the pupils and staff of the Art and Design department in Largs Academy."

All participants were invited to the prize giving evening, which had to be held online because of the pandemic.

Every entry was given a critique and constructive advice from the judge, Dr Sam Heaney.

Maddie's photo, named “Current Times” was chosen as the winner.

Dr Heaney said: "Because of the use of black and white, this is a really striking image, representing as it does both the pandemic and environmental issues. The tilted street lights and road surface adds drama. This is a first class photograph and well worthy of its ranking. "

Maddie receives an A3 print of her winning image and a £50 voucher.