It’s often said that a picture is worth 1000 words.

But we at Year of Our Island believe that we could fill a book with just one photo of our island.

From our stunning landscapes to our historic towns, our Biosphere nation is a photographer’s paradise.

And throughout 2018, Year of Our Island encouraged residents to share their stories about why they love the Isle of Man.

We heard from thousands of people both in person and online over the course of the year with many sending in snaps of their adventures and experiences.

In May of 2019, to coincide with Year of Our Island’s celebration of creativity and innovation, the project launched the Year of Our Island photography competition, ; where we asked avid snappers to submit their photos of the Isle of Man.

The competition, which was open to all age groups and abilities, ran until December 2019 and entrants had the opportunity to submit photos into four categories.

These were ’Quality of Life’, ’National Pride’ and ’Stronger Partnerships’, with another category for entrants aged under 16, with winners being in with a chance to win up to £250.

We were looking for photographs which captured the essence of our island and demonstrated just what a special place the Isle of Man is to live and work, reflecting our relationship with nature, our community spirit and our heritage.

And in January, our team of judges met to sort through the 180 entries and worked to create an exhibition of 18 photographs which was launched last night (Wednesday) at a special ceremony at the Villa Marina.

Janet Lees’ striking black-and-white picture of a horse tram driver, posing with one of the iconic tram horses, was voted the winner of the National Pride category, and also the winner overall.

A glorious sunset over Port Erin bay and Bradda Head, captured by Catreena Hicks, was voted the winner of the Quality of Life category, and a heart-warming shot of children enjoying the Blein Yn Ellan Ain gardens in St John’s, taken by Kirree Jenkins, won the ’Stronger Partnerships’ class.

Breesha Jenkins was awarded the rtop prize in the under 16s group.

Chris Thomas MHK, the political chair of the Our Island project, said: ’We were blown away with the quality of the photos which we received from both amateur and professional photographers and it was an honour to be given the opportunity to judge the submissions.’

’We are extremely grateful to all of our entrants for sharing their photos with us.

’Year of Our Island was about the people and the places that make the Isle of Man special, and I believe that our exhibition truly does show the Isle of Man at its best.’

The free exhibition will be on display in the Villa Marina Gallery space until the end of March 2019 and residents will also have the opportunity to view the images online at ourisland.im.

For more information about Our Island, go online to ourisland.im, call 687007 or email [email protected]

by the Year of Our Island project team

www.ourisland.im