Sam shoots winning pic in calendar comp

Eltham Primary won $200 through prizewinning photographer Sam Mackay, who clinched first place in the Eltham Business association's 2012 calendar photo competition.

Sam says it is the first year he has entered the competition and was delighted to be named the winner on Friday, receiving his prize a digital camera from business association chairperson Jocelyn Carter.

She says though the number of entries this year is on par with last year, the quality of the entries is again a step up.

Having a theme, Letterbox Collection helped focus the photos.

The project is now in its fourth year, and Jocelyn says the primary school students are very keen. She thanks the Taranaki Electricity Trust for sponsoring the event.

This year the kids started asking for the competition and after wanted to know when the winners will be announced.

Eltham Primary took the from Ngaere School, which has wonfor the previous two years running.

Sam's winning photo is featured on the front of the 2012 calendar, and his photos have been used for October and December.

Runner-up photographers were: Jahna Nicholls from Ngaere Primary, whose photos are used for January and April; Dale Stanners, Ngaere, February and September; Emma Nolly-Walsh, Ngaere, March; Cody Nicholas, Eltham, May; Patrick Back, Matapu, June; Tim Neild, Ngaere, July; Hannah McCallum, Eltham, August; Danielle Loveridge Gwerder, Ngaere, November and Shania Loveridge Gwerder, Ngaere, January.

The calendar is available for $15 from the school, Eltham Four Square and Pots, Pansies & Violets.