ROTARIANS have been capturing pictures of their life in lockdown.

Darlington Rotary raised £440 for charities which have been affected by the pandemic through the competition, which attracted entries from Canada, Turkey and Australia.

The winner was Gabriel Lowes, who lives in Darlington but is locked down with his family in Lincolnshire, who sent a picture of his daughter and family’s birthday celebrations.

Runners up were Barbara and Terry Wilson of Mickleton, in Teesdale, who sent a picture of the flag and sky, and Rotarian Angela Stevenson with a shot of her at home in Heighington.

The judges were Tony Marshall, Darlington Rotary’s official photographer and Derek Risbey, a former professional photographer.

They also gave a special mention to the youngest entrant, six-year-old Malcolm Gibbons from Walthamstow in London, who’s mum – Sarah Campbell, formerly from Darlington – sent in a picture he had taken of a dandelion in his garden.

Darlington Rotary President Sue Campbell said: "We thought it would be a bit of fun for Rotary members, friends and family but we’ve had scores of entries from across the world, and from all age groups. And the competition has raised £440 in competition entry donations for Rotary charities, many of whom are badly hit by the Covid crisis."

Tony Marshall said: ‘We asked people to send in a mobile phone picture which represented a part of their life in lockdown. We got more than 60 great shots, including birthday parties, pets, views, hobbies and much more.’

Derek Risbey praised the quality of some of the 60 plus entrants. He said: "Considering they were taken by amateurs on mobile phones, some were of a surprisingly high quality."

The winning entrant received £50, with two runners up prizes of £20. All three donated their prizes back to the Rotary Charity account.