THE work of twelve talented young photographers will tour Swindon in more ways than one in the coming months.

Youngsters at schools across the town were asked to submit a photo of ‘what Swindon means to them’ as part of a competition organised by the Swindon 175 team.

The top 12 entries were chosen and have been exhibited on the top floor of the Brunel Centre over recent weeks.

On Saturday, the winners of the competition will be announced but there is great news around the corner for all twelve entrants, no matter where their photo ranks.

Thamesdown Transport has agreed to carry blown up versions of the photos on the back of their buses meaning motorists and pedestrians around the town will be able to admire them as they pass by.

The framed exhibition will also tour public buildings including libraries and the Great Western Hospital.

The youngest photographer taking part in the contest is six-year-old Efe Keskinbicki, who captured a special view he experiences every day on his way to school.

Efe said: “I pass this view going to school and I can see all of Swindon. When it is dark it makes me go ‘wowwwww’ with all the pretty lights.”

At the other end of the age scale was Sophie Reid, 18, who captured a stunning scene of swirling lights over Coate Water.

Sophie said: “You can always find light in the dark, and in the darkest hours you can always find beauty.”

Fellow 18-year-old Stephen Arnold’s striking black and white view across the peaked tops of the tented market sums up what the competition is all about.

“When I see this shot and when I took it, it just makes me think of Swindon,” he said.

The winning photographer will receive a Nikon camera donated by Great Western Cameras, the second place finisher will get a £50 Brunel Centre gift card and third place will get a £25 Waterstones gift card – all 12 will get Cineworld cinema tickets.