An Ipswich teacher who won a prestigious Sky television photography competition is running a series of community photography courses in Suffolk next year.

Ipswich Star: Suffolk photographer Gillian Allard. Picture: is taking part in this year's Sky Arts Master of Photography. Photo: CR[O]MO AGENCY / DANIELE CRUCIANISuffolk photographer Gillian Allard. Picture: is taking part in this year's Sky Arts Master of Photography. Photo: CR[O]MO AGENCY / DANIELE CRUCIANI (Image: Archant)

Gillian Allard, 51, was crowned the 2017 Sky Arts Master of Photography in July this summer, described by organisers as Europe’s largest photography award.

Thousands of amateurs and professionals from around the world applied for the second series, a creation of the Sky Arts Production Hub.

Mrs Allard, who teaches photography to A-level students at Stowmarket High School, is organising a number of photography community courses at the newly-refurbished Stonham Aspal Village Hall for beginners and intermediate photographers between February and March next year.

Mrs Allard said: “Mid Suffolk, I feel, needs an injection of alternative, exciting adult leisure learning activities, outside of flower arranging and cookery courses.

“There are many adults with cameras who would benefit from exploring there own creative abilities as well as enjoying their locality, and I too would love to share my skills and experience as a teacher and photographer.”

The courses are predominantly aimed at adults.

Each course will have a shared Instagram account, and participants will be able to show off their work at a public art display at the end of the course.

Mrs Allard, who has been a teacher for over 20 years, added: “The course will feature a creative approach to photography, allowing people to discover their own style. It could be for people who might receive a camera for Christmas and would like to know more about how to use a camera.

“It is really an opportunity for people to explore their own creative ideas, and find out how broad and interesting photography is. Once you know more about your camera, the options are endless.

“It will also be good for perhaps the older people on the course to find out more about Instagram and social media.

“The older generation are very intelligent, so this will give them an accessible introduction to it, and I’m sure they will really like it.”

For more information about the courses and to sign up, visit www.gillian-allard.com