'˜Truly a magical part' of our coastline

This stunning image of the Farne Islands by a Berwick upon Tweed photographer has won a regional competition, it was announced today.
Raymond Johnston's photo of the Farne Islands.Raymond Johnston's photo of the Farne Islands.
Raymond Johnston's photo of the Farne Islands.

Raymond Johnston won first prize – a weekend stay at Kielder Waterside – in the contest, organised by the North East England Chamber of Commerce and Northumbrian Water.

He said: “I took the photo just after sunrise in early October; I wanted to show the beautiful Islands of Farne are so close to Bamburgh beach, so included the rocky foreground and gentle waves to give it some scale. It truly is a magical part of our fantastic coastline.”

Berwick photographer Raymond Johnston.Berwick photographer Raymond Johnston.
Berwick photographer Raymond Johnston.
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The competition is part of a campaign to raise awareness of tourism businesses, as well as attractions and beauty spots.

Ben Powick, Chamber policy adviser, who organised the competition, said: “We had a tremendous selection of photographs from right across the whole North East, from Redcar up to Berwick.

“The selection of shots have really showcased the highlights of we can offer tourists, no matter what they are looking for. Coastline, heritage, countryside, city life, the North East really has a huge amount to offer tourists as well as people who live here.”

An interactive map will be launched in the new year with companies able to upload details about what they offer to help boost their business.

Berwick photographer Raymond Johnston.Berwick photographer Raymond Johnston.
Berwick photographer Raymond Johnston.
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Louise Hunter, director of corporate affairs at Northumbrian Water, said: “The entries into the competition provided a fantastic snapshot of the stunning North East landscape. From the Tees Valley to Berwick, Teesdale to Kielder, there are gems at every turn and the entries have proved that there are photographers all over the North East who are up to the challenge of capturing the region’s beauty.

“Raymond Johnston’s photograph of the Farne Islands is a fitting winner among some tough competition and we are sure he will find plenty of beautiful scenes when he enjoys his prize of a stay at Kielder Waterside.”