www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Congratulations to John for winning with a stunning Sooty Copper image. I myself am very happy with second place as the standard was very high, so a big thank you to the judges from me.

I would also like to congratulate my nine year old son Ben on achieving first and second place in the Under 16 category. His winning image of a Silver Studded Blue was taken in Burgos in Spain whilst we were looking for Anomalous Blues. Whilst following a farm track Ben found the Silver Studded Blue roosting at the edge of a harvested field, calling me over we both knelt down and realised the potential for a cracking image as the backdrop was a field of sunflowers. As Ben had found the butterfly i gave him my camera and he rattled a few shots off before the light faded. It was a wonderful end to what had been a fabulous day, one that Ben will never forget i'm sure.

Just to follow what others have said, congratulations to all who entered, there were some stunning images in the competition, the standard is so high. I was so excited to get second in the Overseas category - getting 2nd to John's superb Sooty Copper image, my outright favourite of the whole competition I can live with . Other favourites were Nigel's Scarce Copper and Rodo's Brimstone. And as for Ben in the under 16s, some brilliant stuff worthy of being in the "grown ups" category Lastly, thanks to the judges for taking the time to judge the entries, I know it must be so difficult.

Cheers

Bill

WOW, I've seen some very nice images! Nice job!