A CAPTIVATING snap of Tywyn Beach has been recognised as one of the UK’s top photos of 2018.

Tim Wilde, a photographer based in Tywyn, has reached the final of the fiercely contested Guild of Photographers Image of the Year Competition.

The Guild is a highly respected UK-based association for photographers which has members from overseas as well.

Each year it runs an online monthly photographic competition, judged by internationally respected judges with awards given to the best entries.

During 2018, the competition has attracted 12,000 entries from the most talented of photographers.

It has just been announced that from all the entries across the year, the Guild’s Judges have selected just 10 images in various genres to go forward to the annual Image of the Year Final. Those selected are the ‘best of the best’, and an image by Tim has made the grade.

A delighted Tim said: “I love photography and put a lot of effort into developing my skills.

“One way I do that is to enter the Guild’s competition. It drives forward photography standards month after month so it helps me push myself.

“The images I see getting awards each month are inspirational, so knowing just how high those standards are, to have one of my images shortlisted for the overall final from the many thousands submitted across whole year is really exciting. I couldn’t believe it when I found out.”

See this week’s north editions for the full story, in shops and online on Thursday