Keen eyed young photographers in a vibrant Saddleworth community have been praised for capturing the true spirit of nature in a high profile competition.

Organised by the Lees, Springhead and Grotton Business Hub, the project’s theme was ‘Celebrate Nature’ which gave children living locally a chance to produce a series of intimate pictures.

Judges were so impressed with the variety of entries all children will be receiving a personalised certificate and will feature in the 2022 LSG Business Hub fundraising calendar.

The winners in each category will receive a trophy and their framed photograph displayed in villages businesses, with a £20 bonus to spend on photographic equipment from the Mayor of a Oldham, Cllr Ginny Alexander, one of the judges.

Five-year-old Theoden Creasey of St Thomas Leesfield CE primary school won the 4-6 years old category with his picture 'Rescue Bee'.

He was out walking at Strinesdale with his mother when he saw a distressed bee and gave it a daisy to help it recover and dry out.

Knowsley Junior School pupil Evie Rose Pietrzak’s picture of a horse playing in the sunshine won the 7-11 year group prize.

Entitled 'Running Free', Evie told judges watching horses run round in sunshine made her feel free now lockdown is being lifted.

Luke Stainthorne, 13, from Saddleworth School, scooped the 12-16 years old group prize with his photograph 'Beauty in the Rough'.

Luke told judges he thought dandelions were often overlooked in nature but when examined closely, even weeds have beauty.

The photography competition was run by Karen Jakeman of Springhead-based Pictureful Of Memories in conjunction with LSG Business Hub of which they are a member.

Pictureful Of Memories “works with you to capture those special moments with a tailor made photo shoot at a location of your choice, because every memory deserves to be cherished".