THE runner-up in a charity’s photography competition has been described as bringing “a little bit of sunshine to everyone he met” after he passed away.

More than 70 pictures were submitted to the competition, organised by Prestonpans-based ELCAP, a charity providing care and support for individuals affected by learning or physical disabilities and mental health problems.

Tranent’s Allan Sinclair, who was runner-up in the competition, passed away on Hogmanay, aged 71.

Evelyn Stevenson, a support practitioner with ELCAP, worked with Allan for more than a decade.

She said: “Allan brought a little bit of sunshine to everyone he met. He greeted everyone with a good morning and a shake of the hand.

“He was such a gentleman and always immaculate, with his bow tie or tie on every day.

“I will miss Allan loads and I know he will be missed by many in the community.

“To see how happy he was makes me feel very lucky to have been part of his life.”

Evelyn’s photograph featured a collage of images of Allan enjoying a game of pitch and putt at Musselburgh Links.

Lorraine Birtley and Patsy Dugdale took first prize in the competition, with a photo of Patsy on a boat trip to the Farne Islands, off the Northumberland coast.

ELCAP provided East Lothian Gift Cards as prizes, with £100 each for the winners, £50 each for the runners-up and £25 each for third place.

Kate Flory, a member of the judging panel and ELCAP’s executive board, was impressed with the pictures entered in the competition, which was held late last year.

She said: “The judges loved Lorraine and Patsy’s photo.

“We were looking for something that would capture the spirit of our community, a picture that would convey what’s on our doorstep. We wanted photos which captured the relationship between our support practitioners and the individuals they support, illustrating the extent to which they are active and valued members of our community.

“I have to say we were spoilt for choice!

“The four judges had to narrow down 72 entries to our six personal favourites and then collectively choose our top three.”

However, there was no doubting the winner.

Kate added: “We were unanimous about the wonderful photo that Lorraine took of Patsy.

“The iconic backdrop of grey jagged rocks, guillemots and gulls made us almost smell the sea. The photographers on our judging panel appreciated the expert composition, the clarity of the image and how the wonderful picture of Patsy in the foreground just welcomed you into the scene.

“The photo made us smile, seeing Patsy looking happy to be out on a day trip – something I am sure she is missing at the moment.

“Lorraine mentioned that she often takes dozens of photos to find that perfect one, and she certainly did with this wonderful picture of Patsy.”

Lorraine, who has been a support practitioner with ELCAP since 2009, was delighted with the success.

She said: “Patsy loves to get out and about doing various activities.

“I always take photos when we are out as a reminder of the day and to give copies to her friends and family.

“I think my photo captures how much Patsy was enjoying her day out.”

Third place in the competition went to Lynn Archibald and Sylvie Cowie, with Sylvie’s photo featuring Lynn volunteering as a litter picker for Friends of the River Tyne.

Given the competition’s success, ELCAP plans to make it an annual event.

Paul White, ELCAP chief executive, said: “Kate noticed that our friends at Carers of East Lothian were running a photo competition and suggested that we might try some-

thing similar. Our vision is that everyone, no matter what their individual support needs, is able to live to their full potential and be an active and valued member of our community.

“We decided that our competition should reflect this vision and we were really pleased to receive so many high-quality entries.

“Luckily, we had an experienced judging panel who were charged with choosing their favourite photos from a range of great images.

“As well as Kate, we benefitted from the expertise of Graham Martin, editor of news services at Third Force News; Linda Mitchell, head of delivery at the Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities; and Robbie Scott, editor of the East Lothian Courier.”