Pressing a button at just the right moment has helped almost a dozen happy snappers to success in the annual Belfast Parks Photographic Competition.

Their sharp lens has won each of them a share of the £1,000 prize which was presented at an event in the Ormeau Park Bowling Pavilion on Tuesday, 16 June. Two Aquinas students Jordan Heaney, John Turkiewicz have been awarded first and second prize in the under 16 Category.

Councillor Julie Anne Corr Johnston, Chair of the People and Communities Committee, said the standard of entries just keeps on rising every year.

“The aim of the competition is to see parks through the eyes of their visitors, find out what they enjoy, what attracts them and how we might continue to improve parks to provide what they want,” said Councillor Corr Johnston.

“Our parks are valuable, they offer a beautiful environment to be active, be at one with nature, to gather and meet friends and just relax. The events that take place in them regularly are enjoyed not just by residents but the many visitors to our city.

This year Belfast City Council has introduced new categories into the Parks Photographic Competition -including Active Parks: Park Landscapes; and Art in the Park – the special prize for photos by under 16 year olds remains.

The Competition is sponsored by John McQuillan (Contracts) Ltd and the winning photographs can be viewed at https://www.flickr.com/photos/belfastcitycouncil