THE photographic skills of a student from Mary Tavy have won him a fantastic trip to New York. Chris Pethick won first prize in the Panasonic Batteries' Amateur Photographer of the Year competition. His amazing picture of a Donkey, entitled Donk, caught the imagination of the judging panel and was chosen out of 3,000 photographs entered in the competition. The judging panel, comprising Tim Clark, marketing manager for Panasonic Batteries, Adam Scorey, features editor for Photography Monthly, and David Roberts, a professional photographer, were each individually drawn to the photograph. Tim Clark said: 'We undertook an extremely rigorous approach to the judging, but it became apparent that against all the criteria we used, this image was a clear favourite with all the judges. It brought a smile to our faces every time we looked at it.' Adam Scorey added: 'In my role as features editor at Photography Monthly I review a huge number of photographs each month. 'However, the humour in this picture really drew me to it and it was interesting how many others in the office shared this view upon seeing the results of the competition.' Chris, who is currently in his third year studying for a degree in photography at Salisbury College, said: 'I couldn't believe it when I had the call to say that I had won the overall competition. 'Although I've been interested in photography for ages, and hope to make it my full time profession once I finish my degree, I knew the competition was very tough. 'I have a varied interest in many types of photography but I particularly like making ordinary objects interesting by using colour or a childlike twist. 'This shot was taken earlier this year using a 10mm wide angle lens on my Canon 20D.' Anyone wanting to see more of Chris's work can view it at http://www.capphotography.co.uk">www.capphotography.co.uk As the overall winner Chris is the Panasonic Batteries Amateur Photographer of the Year 2006. He and a guest will enjoy a fantastic trip to New York in July where they will stay at the renowned Waldorf Astoria hotel in the heart of the Big Apple. Chris will also attend an exclusive professional photo workshop with Luis Castaneda. And, to get a real flavour of the city, Panasonic Batteries will arrange a city tour as well as a night out to a Broadway show. RIGHT: Chris's winning shot.