WINNERS of the Summer Snaps competition were unveiled at the Hillingdon in Bloom ceremony.

The contest invited aspiring local photographers to submit images that capture the heart and soul of the borough’s parks and open spaces.

John Murphy, 45, of Ruislip, scooped the winning prize for his image of Cranford Park, Hayes.

Mr Murphy says he has a passion for capturing landscapes and is impressed with the amount of parks and green spaces in Hillingdon.

He added: “I am surprised and pleased I won. I must be getting better!”

The highly commended award went to retired Uxbridge teacher Ian Mulelly, who captured a swan taking off from Little Britain Lake at Cowley.

Mr Mulelly says Little Britain is one of his favourite places to wander, but there is always an aspect of luck to photography.

The borough’s green spaces manager, Paul Richards, and photography lecturer Jean-Marc Teychenne judged the competition.

The winning photographs were selected for their composition, lighting, originality and creativity.

Winners were presented with their photo reproduced and enlarged on a canvas, courtesy of Manor Photographics, Victoria Road, Ruislip Manor.

The Hillingdon in Bloom ceremony is an annual gardening event to encourage residents to make a better and brighter borough.

To view all the entries visit www.flickr.com/photos/hillingdon