The winners of the Swindon-based Economic and Social Research Council's photo competition have been revealed.

The national contest received 506 entries from students around the UK on the theme of Better Lives.

Annwen Butler-Chattel, 15, won the top prize of £200 in vouchers and the Overall Winner trophy as well as an extra £150 in vouchers and another trophy for coming top of the Better Relationships category with her photo Sandy Grins.

Annwen said: “Every second and every aspect of a child's life is important. As a child grows, the relationships which they form shape and mould them into the person they become. The people they grow up with will have significant roles in their life – when these people are supportive, it will positively influence on the rest of the child's upbringing.

“I am very shocked to have won and was ready to clap for another person.”

Professor Paul Nightingale from ESRC said: “The range of entrants was extremely impressive and I have enjoyed speaking with winners and runners up. I was delighted to host the ceremony and the entrants to the competition have demonstrated how social science research touches so many aspects of life from the economy to the environment.”