A CORBRIDGE photographer with little gear but great ideas has taken the top prize in a regional contest.

Martin Farrer has won the Tyne Rivers Trust’s charity calendar compeition with a picture he took using his mobile phone.

Retired engineer Martin was named the overall winner of the contest and the award-winning snap of his dog, Holly, will grace the front cover of the Tyne Rivers Trust 2017 calendar.

Martin said: “I took up photography over 30 years ago when working in South Africa but didn’t have the time to pursue it properly until five years ago when I retired after contracting meningitis.

“My ‘Dog on the Tyne’ photo is a quick snap on my phone camera while I was fishing, so it just goes to show you don’t need posh kit to take good photos.

“I’m really pleased that my photos will help sell the calendar in support of the trust.

“I volunteer for them and think it’s a very worthy cause.”

The A4 glossy calendar is made up of 12 striking shots of the river Tyne, from Chollerford bridge to Walker and everything in between.

Director of Tyne Rivers Trust, Douglas Phillips, said: “We received such a high standard of entries to the competition and we’d like to thank everyone who took the time to submit a photo.

“People can buy the calendar with the knowledge that they are supporting our work to conserve and improve the health of the river.”

The calendar’s production costs were covered by Egger, the chipboard factory which sits alongside the south bank of the River Tyne at Hexham.

Plant director at Egger, Tobias Zimmermann, said: “We are delighted to support the good work that Tyne Rivers Trust undertakes. Their sustainability approach is a good match to our sustainable and environmental commitment at Egger.”

The calendar can be purchased at a number of local shops.

These include Hexham Abbey gift shop, Forum Books in Corbridge and Crafters Emporium in Stocksfield as well as via the Tyne Rivers Trust website: www.tyneriverstrust.org/calendars