Peter Tucker of Ramsey was feeling blooming marvellous after being named as the winner of the Isle of Man Flower Festival photographic competition.

Photographers were invited to submit entries of pictures taken of displays in the many venues that took part in this year’s Isle of Man Flower Festival in July.

The judging panel voted for Peter’s close-up photograph of a display at St German’s Cathedral in Peel to win the top prize, a framed set of winter flora stamps, by the Island-based artist Catherine James, which were donated by Isle of Man Post Office.

Runner up was David Kinley, with his photograph taken at the Old Grammar School, while visitor Marion Healey, of Kent, was placed third with her picture of Waterloo Road Methodist Church in Ramsey.

There was also a special prize of a book token for four-year-old Katie Jacobs, of Douglas, as the judges were so impressed by her photograph of the display at St Thomas’s Church in Douglas.

The prizes were presented at the Douglas offices of sponsor Connect2Charity, which was also celebrating the relaunch of its website www.connect2charity.im.

Chairman of the Arts Council Geoff Corkish, who is also heavily involved in this year’s Island of Culture celebrations, said he was delighted the festival took Island culture as its theme this year.

He praised the festival itself: ‘It is a great opportunity to go for a skeet in lots of these churches and the inspiration behind this has been tremendous.

‘My congratulations to all the team that have worked so very hard.’

Flower Festival committee member Judy Matthews thanked all the volunteers along with the festival sponsors Connect2Charity, and competition prize sponsors Isle of Man Post Office, Greeba Garden Centre and Watsons Nurseries.

Isle of Man Post Office chief executive Mike Kelly presented Mr Tucker with his prize for the winning photograph.

He added: ‘The Post Office is delighted to support such a prestigious local event. We are very happy to play a small part and help such an event. The photographic competition shows the wealth of talent the Island has.’

Preparations will begin shortly for the 2015 Isle of Man Flower Festival. Keep an eye on its website flowerfest.im for all the latest news.

Photo - Peter Tucker, left, with artist Catherine James, who designed the stamps that Peter won a print of, and Isle of Man Post Office chief executive Mike Kelly.