THE first Tees Valley Photography Festival came to a close with the announcement of the winner of the portrait competition.

First prize of a compact digital camera went to Colin Begg, of Normanby, for his informal image of a young woman in Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough.

The winning work will form part of the Window on our World exhibition, which opens at Middlesbrough's Dorman Museum today and runs until February 11.

Organisers hailed the festival as a resounding success with more than 1,000 people involved in photography workshops across the region.

There were a host of activities for people to enjoy - from school pupils taking ghostly portraits using pinhole cameras, to more in-depth documentary and fashion photography for adults and young people.

Sophie Ingleby, outreach officer at Hartlepool Borough Council's arts, museums and events service, said: "The festival offered people a taster of different photographic techniques and styles, giving them an opportunity to develop their photographic skills and knowledge.

"Hopefully, the participants will now have the confidence and knowledge to develop their skills independently or through further education."