An 11-year-old has beaten adults to scoop first prize in a photography competition, with an image that eclipsed more than 500 other entries.

Raphaella Philcox, from Leamington Spa, claimed top spot in the 2010 Coventry calendar competition.

Her entry shows a statue of jet engine pioneer Frank Whittle.

‘I was quite surprised and happy to hear that I had won the competition, especially as I am quite young, and most of the other entries were by adults,’ said Raphaella who was just 10 when she took her winning shot.

‘The standard of photographs submitted was fantastic and made shortlisting extremely tough,’ said a spokesman for organisers CV One, a promotions company.

He added: ‘Raphaella’s picture of Frank Whittle particularly stood out due to its excellent composition and iconic nature. To later discover she was just 10 when she took the photo was unbelievable and is a testament to her ability.’

Raphaella won £200 in Jessops vouchers and will see her photo featured on the front cover of the official 2010 Coventry calendar.

Shorlisted entries can be viewed at www.visitcoventry.co.uk/photography.asp

Picture credit: Raphaella Philcox

Raphaella Philcox