Striking up a positive pose

Positive Poses was open to those aged 11-18 and the stipulation was that they submitted a strong image of young people doing good things in their local communities.

Thomas Ryder, aged 15, of Balsall Common, won the 14-16 age category and was chosen as overall winner for his photo ‘Not all kids want something for nothing’.

It depicted a boy doing his paper round in the snow.

While Harry Danoya aged 17, who goes to Campion School in Leamington, won the 16-18 age category.

Harry, aged 17, lives in Stoneway Grove, Sydenham.

His entry was about memories, making the most of life and celebrating what people have.

He is studying for English and maths A-levels resits and a BTEC in business.

He said: “My message is about achievement in life.

“People say life is short and I’ve heard of people dieing at a young age and I want to get the message over about making the most of the time you have.”

The competition was part of the 2012 Youth Parliament and the VOX Warwickshire Youth Council members’ campaign to tackle what they believe is the negative image portrayed in some parts of the media.

Young people on VOX judged the competition entries with help from Wendy Fabbro, director of children’s services at Warwickshire County Council.

Cllr Heather Timms, the county cabinet member responsible for youth services, said: “The Positive Poses photo competition got young people to think about their contributions to society.

“All the entries captured poignant moments of youth participation so all the young photographers should be applauded.

“The youth council led at every step of the competition process and picked some deserving winners which I understand was not an easy task for them.

“The competition was a fitting end to their campaign to tackle negative youth stereotyping and they should be proud of this work.

“Warwickshire County Council will be able to use all the submitted images in the future to depict youth engagement in our communities.”