Falmouth University student Bryony Richards has won the Young Photographer Award at the annual Engineering Employers Federation and Lombard “Make it Britain” photography competition.

Bryony, who is studying for a degree in marine and natural history photography, had four of her photographs shortlisted for the prize, which celebrates traditional and new ways of manufacturing in Britain.

She found out she had won at an exclusive awards ceremony she attended with her mum, Dawn Wright, at the House of Commons last month.

Bryony said: “I was so shocked I’d won. I was thrilled to just be there and be shortlisted, and really didn’t expect my name to be called out. The winning image was of a woollen mill in Wales, it’s somewhere we’ve always gone on holiday. It’s a snapshot of somewhere I love visiting so it really means a lot that it won.”

Bryony, who is in her final year of studies, added: “This has given me great exposure as well as an opportunity to meet some key industry contacts. I’d love to have my own studio one day and photography will always be something I’m passionate about.

“Winning this has really boosted my confidence. It’s made me realise how interesting manufacturing is - I’d quite like to use my photography to inform people and show them new things.”

Bryony took home £1,000 in Canon vouchers, a framed certificate and a large print of her winning photograph.

The competition aims to raise the profile of British manufacturing by showcasing |the industry’s creativity, diversity and heritage through photography, sponsored by Canon.