TWO photographers from Colwyn Bay have won prizes for their pictures of the town’s ongoing sea defence project.

David Curtis won first prize in the individual category of the annual competition run by the Institution of Civil Engineers in Wales (ICE Wales Cymru), with Iwan Pritchard claiming third place.

David’s image of the Old Colwyn steps under construction drew in the most votes, with ICE saying the work is “close to the hearts of many”.

North Wales Pioneer: David Curtis' image of the Old Colwyn steps. Photo:David CurtisDavid Curtis' image of the Old Colwyn steps. Photo:David Curtis (Image: David Curtis)

Iwan’s picture of the Colwyn Bay coastal defence work showcased “a multitude of clever elements” with it depicting civil engineering in a “different light”, ICE said.

The competition challenges photographers across Wales to find and best showcase civil engineering projects through the lens of a camera.

The Colwyn Bay Waterfront Project represents a substantial investment in the infrastructure along Colwyn Bay’s seafront.

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The objective of the scheme is to provide environmental improvements to the promenade to offer a modern, sustainable and attractive public realm.

This has been combined with a significant upgrading of the predominantly Victorian coastal defences to protect the promenade and the town behind from the threat of the sea for years to come.

The project included a series of workshops with the architectural technology students at Glyndwr University.

One of its students, Nichola Hilton from Colwyn Bay, produced such a impressive design for a concession building on the promenade that it was incorporated into the project and built.

North Wales Pioneer: Iwan Pritchard's image of the Colwyn Bay sea defence project. Photo: Iwan PritchardIwan Pritchard's image of the Colwyn Bay sea defence project. Photo: Iwan Pritchard (Image: Iwan Pritchard)

Competition head judge Adam Johnson, associate/NEC supervisor at event sponsors Mott MacDonald, said: “We are delighted with the number of high-quality entries and the enthusiasm from the public to get involved this year. 

“This year’s competition showcases some great examples of Civil Engineering in Wales.

“It is great to see such a wide diversity of entries and entrant backgrounds.

“The photographs contribute to raising awareness of the industry and the fascinating structures found in Wales.

“We look forward to this competition growing further next year.”