A striking image of summer lightning taken from Mylor Yacht Harbour’s Old Quay has won the man behind the lens a top prize, which he has donated to a sailing charity.

However, in a display of generosity, Geoff Squibb, a photography enthusiast from Porthleven, immediately donated his prize of a 2.5, four stroke Suzuki outboard engine from MYH photography competition to Mylor Sailability.

Geoff has previously used his hobby to help charities, including the RNLI and Disability Cornwall, and this time wanted to lend his support to Tracey Boyne of Mylor Sailing School through its new charitable arm, Mylor Sailability which helps people with disabilities to get out on the water.

The charity is currently riding high after securing a £50,000 grant from Sport England via the National Lottery to upgrade its facilities and a £3,000 contribution from Mylor Yacht Harbour itself towards the building of new classroom and changing rooms.

Geoff said: “Mylor Yacht Harbour is such a beautiful spot and it’s always easy to find inspiration for photography here, but I was very lucky to catch this incredible moment when the lightning struck and lit up the sky above the opposite hillside in such an extraordinary way.

“Winning the competition is great – but to be able at the same time to help such a fantastic new charity, which is based just along the quay from where I took my photo, is the icing on the cake.”

Mylor Sailability’s Tracey Boyne added: “We’ve been pretty overwhelmed by the huge support for the charity and whether it’s a large financial injection or an extremely kind gift like Geoff’s it really means a lot. I think people really ‘get’ the extent to which we are helping budding sailors to get out there and have fun on the water and learn a skill – whatever their abilities.”

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