Article by Ed Roper and Austin Thomas
Austin Thomas receiving the PAGB Nature Photographer Trophy from Leo Rich, PAGB President at the PAGB Inter Club DPI Championship at Warwick University.
This trophy was presented to the PAGB in memory of Colin Smith, a dear friend and fellow Wigan 10 nature photographer.
It was the first time that anyone from Wigan 10 had won the trophy.
Austin says:-
I am absolutely delighted to be the current holder of The Colin Smith Trophy.
Colin was a real inspiration to me and helped me find my feet as a wildlife photographer, even before I joined Wigan 10.
Colin would spend time with me in the field and was always willing to offer friendly advice and support. To be one of the names on his Trophy is an honour for me personally and something I am sure Colin would be proud of too.Thanks to the PAGB for awarding me PAGB Nature Photographer of the Year, 2014.