A STUNNING image of a fireworks display was a winner at Settle Photographic Group's annual open competition.

Harry Pinkerton, chair of Settle Photographic Group, said: “Our open competition welcomes entries each year from all our members and we encourage them to enter as wide a range of images as possible - whether they are beginners or more established members.

"We traditionally have a really high standard of photography and this year has been no exception. It’s fantastic to see how our members’ work changes and develops year on year and the group is here to support them in that process.”

The sixth competition organised by the group was judged by Nigel Plant, an Associate of the Royal Photographic Society who gained the Distinction of the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain merit award in 2009. He lives in Hebden Bridge.

He said: “I was delighted to be asked to be the judge for this competition. Settle Photographic Group is one of the most collaborative groups in the area and does a lot to help their members develop and grow their skills. It’s a pleasure to see the resulting work and a privilege to offer feedback and select the winners.”

Most members of the group are based in Craven. A spokesperson said : "The group’s aim is to help every member develop their photographic skills through a varied programme of talks, demonstrations, discussions, challenges, online galleries, outings and exhibitions.

"Members share their knowledge about a range of cameras, photographic accessories and software. While some of the group use large cameras, others are content to take images on compact cameras or even mobile phones."

The group's next meeting, at St John's Methodist Church Hall, at 7.30pm on Monday, May 20, will be on the subject 'how to publish a book'. John Bentley, author of Hill Farming in the North of England, will talk about his book, which contains many stunning photographs of farmers at work and play in the area.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the club can attend a coffee morning at The Folly, Settle, at 10.30am on Wednesday, May 29.

Winners of the competition. Digital category 1 Fireworks, by Andy Best; 2 Moss on a Rainy Day by Gill Pinkerton; 3 Moonlight by Andy Best.

Print: 1 Nearing Day’s End by Margaret Smith; 2 Salford Quays Reflections by Tim Fearon; 3 Italian Calm by Peter Robinson.

Find out more at: www.settlephotos.org