Allan snaps top prize

A talented photographer from St Mary's School, Wrestwood, is to have his work on display in the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Allan Sears, has been awarded a top prize in Snap!, Mencap's national photo competition, sponsored by Fujifilm.

His photo entitled Having Fun Together will be on display at the V&A, in London, for a month over the summer. The 18-year-old photographer was awarded silver from over 700 entries.

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Snap! is a competition open to people with a learning disabilities and their friends and families. Started five years ago, it has grown in reputation, now attracting entries from as far a field as Europe and America.

Each photo entered is accompanied by a story giving an insight into the world of learning disability.

Allan's photograph was entered into the 'Young Snap!' category. His mum, Alison, explained his picture with the words: "Allan took this photograph when he was away at a Bendrigg special needs action and adventure holiday in the Lake District last August. Allan really likes this photograph because he thinks it's a good picture and also because it shows just how much fun everyone had together'¦the fantastic staff from the Croft Centre and the young people in their care."

Allan has been supported in his photography by his tutors from St. Mary's School, where he attends as a weekly boarder. Without their encouragement Allan's mum believes he would not have entered the Snap! competition, let alone won a prize.

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Allan will be awarded his prize of a digital camera at a glittering party in London on June 22. The exhibition opens at the museum on the first day of Mencap's Learning Disability Week, June 17. Snap! is supported by The Sorrell Foundation and Big Pictures. For more information visit www.mencap.org.uk/snap

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