THESE stunning pictures of Flintshire have been captured by talented amateur photographers.

Mold Camera Club launched a competition for keen snappers to take images of top tourist attractions in the region.

And organisers were delighted by the standard of entries to the competition, entitled Tourism around Mold.

In first place for the competition, sponsored by The Beaufort Park Hotel in New Brighton, was novice entrant Tracy Brookes who took a photo of St Deniol’s library in Hawarden.

“This is the first time Tracy had entered so she was absolutely delighted,” said Chris Noble, secretary of Mold Camera Club.

“It was a complete surprise to her and one that shows that beginners can reach high levels in photography.”

Mold Camera Club started in 1963 and has 80 members ranging from their 20s to a lady in her 80s.

A collage of photos submitted by John Bell from Northop Hall was awarded second place in the tourism competition.

The shots depicted some of the top sights around the area including Mold Market and a landscape photo of Loggerheads.

"The photos were all my own work and then I processed the images in Photoshop to merge them together,” said John, who has been a member of the club for 18 months.

“Flintshire’s definitely got a lot to offer tourists. Taking these photos makes you realise how much is on your doorstep, you look at it with a different pair of eyes when you’re taking photos.

“There’s some beautiful places in Flintshire.”

John, 50, a locksmith by trade, said he finds photography relaxing.

“I’ve liked photography since I was a youngster but I’ve only taken it up with
renewed interest as I wanted to start a hobby I enjoyed,” he said.

“There a lots of people at the club so it’s nice to meet them. It’s quite different from what I do during the day so it’s nice to chill out a bit by taking photos.”

In third place was an aerial photo of Moel Famau taken by Maltese-born Mike
Catania from Llanarmon yn Iâl.

“I’ve got a light plane and a pilot’s license so I took it out of the window,” said Mike, 49.

“The aerial photography is my way of sharing with other people what I see. I think the thing that interests me about it is the different perspective.”

Mike has set up a website with his images. To view his photos go to www.flickr.com/photos/veritaimages.

The competition was judged by Lesley Bewley and Emma Williams from the Beaufort Park Hotel and the prizes of bottles of wine were presented at the club’s weekly meeting.

To join Mold Camera Club call Chris Noble on 01352 715007.