Almost 200 photographs celebrating the island’s east coast were submitted to a competition aimed at highlighting what organisers say could be lost if the Mooir Vannin offshore wind farm goes ahead.

The ‘East Coast Seascapes Photo Competition’ was organised by volunteers Jennifer Smith, Dave Fletcher and Sharon Holloway from the NOT4IOM group which is against the development.

The idea was inspired in part by Joni Mitchell’s Big Yellow Taxi and its message about appreciating what we have before it is gone.

Jennifer said: ‘“We don’t know what we’ve got till it’s gone” struck a chord, so we decided to run the photo competition to remind people what we do have and that it is important to preserve it.’

The competition launched on July 31 and received almost 200 entries throughout August, with organisers saying the standard of entries made selecting the winners ‘very challenging’.

A Facebook group created alongside the competition has also attracted 232 members, with photographers joining from across the island.

Four photographs were selected by judges from the Manx Scenic Photography group and competition sponsors Odin Brewery and Laxey Beach Cafe.

Daniela Apostella took first prize and £300 for ‘Charlie’s View Ballafayle’ in Maughold.

Judge Peter Killey praised the photograph’s composition and depth, saying it gave viewers ‘a real sense of being there and enjoying this iconic Manx view’.

Second prize and £200 went to Colin Moore for ‘Queens Pier at Sunrise’, while Beckie Williams took third place and £100 for ‘Looking from Douglas Head’.

Dave Reilly’s ‘Laxey Beach’ was highly commended, with judges praising its ‘calmness and tranquillity’.

Mathew Kinnin from Odin Brewery, who was one of the judges, said: ‘We felt the four winners demonstrated the right mix of composition and message - a display of the island’s beauty while being reminded of what stands to be lost should Mooir Vannin go ahead.’

Organisers said the competition was intended to provide a different way of raising concerns about the proposed wind farm.

They said: ‘We are at risk of losing sight of what makes our island so unique and beautiful and that is its unspoilt seascapes, rugged beauty and easy access to nature. The photo competition felt like a poignant and slightly less confrontational way in which to communicate the issues around Mooir Vannin.’

The prizegiving ceremony was held at Laxey Beach Café on Sunday, with Manx singer and actress Sam Barks presenting the awards.

Barks, who was born and raised in Laxey, rose to international prominence after appearing in the BBC talent show I’d Do Anything before going on to star as Éponine in the 2012 film adaptation of Les Misérables.

Organisers said Barks had spoken about her love for Laxey Beach and its views and had been supportive of NOT4IOM’s campaign.

‘Sam very graciously agreed to be our guest of honour at the prizegiving ceremony.’

They also thanked Odin Brewery and Laxey Beach Café for donating the prizes and supporting the competition.

The winning photographs will remain on display at Ramsey Swimming Pool Café for the next month.