TALENTED Kent photographers have been recognised at a prize-giving ceremony held in Maidstone.

A competition to find budding photographers in the county was brought to a close at the weekend as the winners were announced at Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art Gallery.

More than 170 people entered the Natural History Photographer of Kent competition, launched at the end of last year and sponsored by the Kent Messenger and Maidstone Photo Factory.

A group of 100 people people were selected as runners-up along with six overall winners whose work is now on display as part of an exhibition at the gallery in St Faith's Street, which will run until Sunday, July 6.

All runners-up had their work enlarged to 10 by 8 and winners had their photographs enlarged to 16 by 20.

The prize giving ceremony began with short speeches by independent local photographer Paul Dixon, Tim Grimes of Maidstone Photo Factory and museums manager Simon Lace.

The six main prize winners, selected by judges Paul Dixon; keeper of natural history at the museum Dr Ed Jarzembowski and Kent Messenger Group picture services editor Barry Hollis, were presented with framed certificates and cheques.

Each category had a first and second prize and in the over-18 category overall winner Eileen Carey, of Mynn Crescent, Maidstone, received £250, and runner-up Karol Steele, of Buckland Avenue, Dover, received £100.

In the 12 to 18 category first prize of £75 went to 18-year-old Felicity Leanne Vaughan, of Springfield Way, Larkfield, and second prize went to Lauren Hooper, 13, of Gainsborough Drive, Maidstone, who received £50.

In the under 12 category, nine-year-old Ben Steele, Karol Steele's son, received £75, and runner-up Stacey Collins, 10, of Macklands Way, Rainham, received £50.

Maidstone council's cultural marketing manager Alison McNaught said: "We had a very high standard of entry and the photographs looked wonderful. I would encourage anyone to come along and see the exhibition."