The North East is one of the most stunning places in the world, something that nobody living here needs telling twice.
So much so, that the Northern Photography Prize, now in its second year, commemorates that by selecting two images which represent the "Heart" and "Spirit" of the North East. And this year's winners have been announced, both of whom are amateur photographers from Morpeth.
Jim Scott scooped the Spirit of the North East Prize, which recognises the region's stunning landscapes. His image Early Birds of Lindisfarne captured a multi-coloured sunrise at Holy Island with fishing boats grounded on the causeway sands and seabirds taking flight.
Read more: See the images shortlisted for this year's Northern Photography Prize
Jim Scott said: "I started to teach myself photography in November last year as a way of capturing and combining my favourite places and my favourite time of day, sunrise. This was one of a number of images I took very early one morning on Holy Island.
"I was lucky enough to notice a flock of sea birds resting on the sand. After waiting for a few minutes, they suddenly took flight, allowing me to capture this image."
Matthew Locke took first place for the Heart of the North East prize, which focuses on the region's people. His photo Back on Track captured his wife gazing out the window of a Metro carriage, with the judges saying he "expertly captured the light and a moment of excitement and hope for a brighter future."
Matthew Locke said: "My wife had a job she disliked for years. She applied for a new job in Newcastle city centre, which she was offered. We then took a day off to test-drive her new commute on the metro.
"On the train back, I captured her staring out of the window, looking subtly excited about what lay ahead. The fact we were moving towards the light she was looking at struck me as symbolic of how we hoped the future would transpire."
Both prizes won a cash prize of £1,000, courtesy of Northumberland author LJ Ross who founded and sponsored the prize through her publishing imprint, Dark Skies Publishing. The second-ever Northern Photography Prize attracted thousands of submissions and all photographs were displayed at the Biscuit Factory in Newcastle in September, before being judged.
LJ Ross said: "The North East of England never fails to inspire me, from the colourful characters you meet in the street to the unrivalled beauty of its landscapes. Photography is the perfect medium to capture the essence of the region, its unique spirit and beating heart, which is why I wanted to launch this competition.
"Since its inauguration, the prize has gone from strength-to-strength and I’m delighted to see it now firmly established in the region’s creative arts calendar and attracting so much interest. I’d like to congratulate this year’s winners, Jim and Matthew, for their stunning entries which deservedly take home the prizes."
What do you think of this Northern Photography Prize's winning photos? Let us know!
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