A YELVERTON photographer so impressed judges with her image she has won a place in an international competition.

Portia Crossley came first runner-up in an Annabel Williams international portrait photography competition with the theme 'blue and lines'.

There was only supposed to be one winner for the competition but Annabel Williams, one of the world's leading photographers, said that it was difficult to choose so included three runner up prizes.

Mrs Crossley's image shows two children playfully throwing buckets of water at each other in the sea (right).

Ms Williams commended the photograph and said: 'This is a beautifully composed photo.

'The people look like they are really enjoying themselves, and I love the way they are out of focus, and the emphasis is on the blue lines in the water.'

Mrs Crossley said: 'Annabel Williams has been hugely influential in terms of my natural photography style.

'My aim is to capture real time photographs of people and animals being themselves and having fun.

'My ambition is that when you look at the images you will recognise the quirky gestures, the individual expressions, the humour, the connections, the passion and the thoughtfulness that make you and those you love what they are.'

Mrs Crossley said she was 'ecstatic' with the result and 'to have such kudos from one of the most influential portrait photographers of this generation is a real honour'.