SOUTH West Lakes Trust and South West Water have revealed the winners of the 2017 ‘Love your Lakes’ photo competition, which ran from May 1 to September 30 and received over 100 entries, with Holsworthy’s Mandy Pollard winning the ‘Family Fun’ category.

The competition, now in its fourth year, was held to encourage people of all ages to make the most of the fantastic photo opportunities at their lakes across Devon, Cornwall and West Somerset.

The lakes of the South West are popular among amateur and professional photographers alike, providing a unique combination of beautiful landscapes, high-adrenalin activities and rich wildlife and plants.

They are also the reservoirs that provide most of the region’s raw tap water, and the entries reveal how photographers are fascinated by the interplay between essential infrastructure and the natural world.

The three photo categories were: Family Fun, On the Water and Feats of Engineering. Photos had to be taken at one of South West Lakes Trust’s sites.

The competition was judged by photographer, Richard Austin, South West Lakes Trust director, Colin Vallance and head of community relations for South West Water, Alan Hyde.

First prize for the On the Water category and the chosen overall winner was Kevin Brown from Penzance for his photograph of a double scull rowing boat being launched at Stithians Lake, who was awarded £350.

Mandy Pollard of Holsworthy took the top prize for the Family Fun category with her photo of a family enjoy a sailing trip at Tamar Lakes and Chris Coupland of Plymouth was awarded first prize in the Feats of Engineering category for his striking photo of Burrator Dam.

On the Water — First Prize and Overall Winner: Kevin Brown (Penzance); Second prize: Judith Taylor (Cirencester, Gloucestershire); Third prize Paul Fine (Plymouth).

Feats of Engineering — First prize: Chris Coupland (Plymouth); Second prize: Karen Davidson (Dawlish); Third prize: Rob Gualtieri (Bere Alston, Yelverton).

Family Fun — First prize: Mandy Pollard (Holsworthy); Second prize: Shelley Gordon (Barnstaple); Third prize: Claire Down (Exeter)

Fifty pounds was awarded to Mark Champion of Paignton for his photo of Fernworthy Reservoir, which received the most public votes and a special prize was also awarded to Richard Kift of Barnstaple for his photo of Wimbleball Lake, which will be used for this year’s South West Lakes Trust Christmas card.

The winning entries will be on display in the Lakeside Café at Roadford Lake until the end of February.