With his black & white close-up of an apple, young Jon McGovern was the winner of the Eden Arts photography competition in the summer, and now he’s gained a national prize. He was awarded the title of Young Landscape Photographer of the Year by the BBC (news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8314105.stm) with this stunning photo, which will also be part of a major exhibition at London’s National Theatre til Jan 2009.

If you’re inspired by Jon’s success, why not have a go yourself? You don’t need a fancy camera (at least 4 mega pixels was the BBC’s suggestion), just an eye for a good image or a distinctive view, and there are plenty of websites and books offering tips for taking better pics.

What’s more, you could earn yourself a cash prize in one of the TWO photography competitions that Eden Arts is running this autumn! The first one is open to everyone, on the theme of ‘Fall’, to be interpreted as you see fit. Please send your entries to us by email, the winner will receive £50 and feature on our website and printed newsletter.

We are also running a Junior (aged 18 and under) competition with the theme of ‘Vibrant Penrith’, on behalf of Penrith Chamber of Trade and Commerce. We’re looking for photos that show the character and individuality of the town, and the best images might be used to market Penrith on the Chamber’s website (www.penrithchamberoftrade.org.uk). Prizes are 1st £50, 2nd £25.

Entries for both competitions need to be with us by 10th November. Send to enquiries@edenarts.co.uk