Spandau Ballet's Tony Hadley judges 'no smiles selfie' photography competition in Aylesbury

Former Spandau Ballet singer and 80s icon, Tony Hadley, was on hand to judge a ‘No Smile Selfie’ competition in Aylesbury.

Hadley presented prizes to winners in different age categories at the Uptown Coffee Bar on Whitehill Street on June 7.

The event was run by local charity, Youth Concern, ahead of its new photo drop-in project, slated for June 17.

Miranda Casson, 23, claimed the top photography prize, an event spokesperson described her winning snap as 'captivating and haunting'. She won a GoProHero9 camera plus accessories for finishing first.

Miranda said “I can’t believe I won! The judges said some really nice things about my photo which was brilliant to hear. Entering this competition was me stepping outside my comfort zone. I’m really looking forward to taking more photos with my amazing new camera.”

The 16-18 years category was won by Liam Bermingham who received a £50 Amazon voucher, as did runner up in the 19-25 years category, Ainsley Douglas.

Also attending the awards ceremony were Hannah Asquith, Youth Concern’s CEO, sponsor Abe Almosawi from Alcom IT and professional photographer Carole Niven who headed up

the judging panel.

On being asked to be a judge, Tony Hadley, who is a local resident and a DJ on BBC Three Counties radio said “I know Aylesbury well and Youth Concern do amazing work supporting

disadvantaged young people. Giving young people an opportunity to experience creative activities, like photography, is so important and I was thrilled to be asked to get involved.”

The drop-in project which will run from June 17, will offer free weekly sessions to young people. Participants will learn a range of creative and technical photographic skills.

The 10-week course of free sessions run by professional photographer Carole Niven will take place at the Drop-in Centre from 1-3 pm every Thursday. Anyone aged between 16- 25 years and with a connection to Aylesbury Vale is welcome to attend.

Youth Concern’s CEO, Hannah Asquith, said “Congratulations to Miranda, Liam, Ainsley and to all entrants.The pandemic hit many young people hard and photography can be a great

way of expressing emotions. The standard of entries was incredibly high and what came through very strongly was the emotional interpretation of the challenges of living through lockdown and the impact of the coronavirus threat.”