Buxton girl’s pet cat portrait reaches photography competition national finals

Pearle Smedley-Castle, 13, chased off competition from across the country with her portrait of pet cat Murphy staring out of a window covered in rain - entitled Waiting for Storm Dennis.

Though the skilled teen missed out on first place the final Rotary Club of Buxton hailed her achievement, saying ‘Pearle and her family can be justly proud’.

Buxton rotarian Andy Collier told how Pearle was one of a number of High Peak youths who have reached its competition national heats.

Among them were Buxton Community School students who progressed to the national final of the Rotary Young Environmentalist Competition.

The Rotary Club has held youth competitions for a number of years - with local and district heats followed by a national final and entries for juniors 7-10, intermediate 11-13 and senior 14-17.

Andy said: “We’ve been really pleased with the success of our youth competitions over the years and we’re quite keen to let young people know about them - especially as some of the other activities for youths are being severely curtailed by covid restrictions.

“I think they’re a great way of stimulating the youngsters’ outside interests and help build self-confidence and independence.

“They need commitment, effort and sometimes teamwork and I have a great deal of admiration for the youngsters who take part.”

The Rotary Club of Buxton is running youth competitions again this year including Young Chef, Young Writer and many more.

For more information email [email protected] or visit their Facebook page.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.