Tobias Zimmermann, Plant Director at EGGER presents a copy of the finished calendar to competition winner, Martin Farrer and his dog, Holly.

Tyne Rivers Trust has announced the winners of its charity calendar competition. Martin Farrer’s image featuring his dog, Holly, was declared as the overall winner, with the picture scooping the honour of the front cover image.

The A4 glossy calendar is made up of 12 striking shots of the river Tyne from Chollerford Bridge to Walker and everything in between. It’s now on sale from the Tyne Rivers Trust website (www.tyneriverstrust.org.uk/calendar) or shops across the catchment including Hexham Abbey Gift shop, Forum books in Corbridge and Crafters Emporium in Stocksfield.

Martin, a retired engineer says: “I took up photography over 30 years ago when working in South Africa but didn’t have the time to pursue it properly until five years ago when I retired after contracting meningitis. 

“My Quayside picture, which is the July image, is taken on my SLR with three photos merged in HDR software. In complete contrast my 'dog on the Tyne' photo is a quick snap on my phone camera while I was fishing, so just goes to show you don't need posh kit to take good photos!

“I’m really pleased that my photos will help sell the calendar in support of the Trust, I volunteer for them and think it’s a very worthy cause.”

Douglas Phillips, Director of Tyne Rivers Trust says: “The Tyne really is picturesque so it’s no surprise that we received such a high standard of entries to the competition and we’d like to thank everyone who took the time to submit a photo. People can buy the calendar with the knowledge that they are supporting our work to conserve and improve the health of the river.”

The calendar’s production costs have kindly been covered by EGGER, the chipboard factory which sits alongside the River Tyne at Hexham. Tobias Zimmermann, Plant Director Technical/Production at EGGER says: “We are delighted to support the good work that Tyne Rivers Trust undertakes. Their sustainability approach, is a good match to our sustainable and environmental commitment at EGGER.”

David Taylor of David Taylor photography gave up his time to judge the competition. The winners who each receive a copy of the calendar are: Bob Turner, Eileen Charlton, Kevin Dick, John Austin, Brian Bird, Paul Macchiarelli, Aidan Pollard, Owen Hogg, Gordon Carlton and Kay Nixon.