A PHOTOGRAPH competition aimed at raising funds for Manorlands Hospice at Oxenhope attracted stunning pictures of landscapes, animals and snowy scenes, and even a close-up picture of a snail, by winner of the young photographer section, 13 year old Georgia McGowan.

Organised by the Skipton Manorlands fundraising group, the contest, launched in October, asked for people to submit entries for its ‘Yorkshire photography competition’.

Photos had to be taken in Yorkshire and there were four sections - wildlife, pets, seasons, and people and places, and a section for young photographers, up to 16 years old, who could enter a picture in any of the four sections.

Entrants had until the end of November to put forward their photographs, with the winners receiving prizes, including framed copies of their pictures, from Maple Leaf Images in Newmarket Street, Skipton.

Entrants were asked to make a donation in exchange for entering the competition, and in the end, raised £818 for Manorlands.

Judging of the entries was carried out by Embsay based professional, Kathie Tiffany, of Tiffany Photography. Kathie, a newborn and children’s photographer, who specialises in photographing in natural light with a relaxed reportage style, recently completed a series of ‘doorstep portraits’ of families during the coronavirus lockdown.

She said of the entries:“It has been so lovely to see everyone’s efforts, there are some amazing shots. I am really happy to help with this fundraising competition.Manorlands do us all proud with the work they do”.

Molly Ralphson, community fundraiser at Sue Ryder Manorlands, said it was a great idea and thanks were due to all who took part.

She added that the Skipton fundraising group hoped to repeat the competition next year, and hopefully make the winning pictures into a calendar.

She said: “The Skipton volunteers did a great job organising this competition to help the hospice at such a difficult time.

“Many of our usual fundraising events are cancelled due to Covid-19 but this was a great idea with no travel or personal contact required. The group are discussing running a similar competition next year with winners and runners up featuring in a Manorlands calendar. Thank you to everyone who took part and donated to help us care for more people at the hospice and in our community”.

Manorlands Hospice provides expert palliative care, and also offers support people with life-limiting conditions, and their families, working across Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven.

Like most all other charities, the hospice is suffering during the coronavirus pandemic with its usual major fundraising activities - such as fun runs and cycle races, having to be cancelled.

It expects a shortfall this year of £1.5 million as a result of the pandemic, presenting its fundraisers with the challenge of raising money while complying with the government’s strict coronavirus restrictions.