Winners announced for golden photography competition

Dan Shaw’s “Tandle Hill” – 1st place

Caroline Lawson’s “Secret Garden” – 2nd place

The winners of Oldham Council’s well-received Bloom and Grow Photography Competition have been announced.

The standard was golden this year as we gained more than 700 entries over the six-week competition.

In first place – winning £200 – was a stunning photograph of Tandle Hill Country Park taken by Dan Shaw, from Shaw.

The amateur photographer took his prize-winning shot on his smartphone.

Second place was Caroline Lawson for her beautiful ‘Secret Garden’ snap, and in third place was Jeff Harnett for his photo of a cyclist riding near Dovestone Reservoir. Both take home £60 and £40 respectively.

In October last year Bloom and Grow – Oldham’s entry into North West in Bloom – scooped Best City and was chosen to represent the region in the national event.

This year’s theme ‘Gold’ was embraced by residents showcasing wonderful spots around the borough.

Jeff Harnett’s “Dovestone Reservoir” – 3rd place

All the finalists’ photographs will be seen by tens of thousands of people in the next issue of Borough Life magazine.

The winners were chosen by the public on Oldham Council’s website and social media channels.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Cooperatives, said: “I would like to thank everyone who entered the competition and congratulate the winners.

“More than 700 residents have embraced this competition and illustrated how beautiful and attractive this borough is. They have showed us why they are proud of their area and played a big part in promoting Oldham locally, regionally and nationally.

“Bloom and Grow is more than just floral displays – it’s about communities working together to improve our towns, neighbourhoods and gardens.”

Dan Shaw, aged 39, said: “This has all come as a bit of a surprise and I am delighted to win the competition.

“Oldham has some lovely areas of natural beauty, like Crompton Moor and Tandle Hill Country Park. I just seized an opportunity and took a snapshot on my iPhone.

“I follow the council’s “I Love Oldham” Facebook page and I spotted the competition on there and thought why not enter?”

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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