Reach for the camera... RAF fliers hit new heights in photography contest

A Tornado GR4 aircraft as it undertakes a training sortie over the north west of England

More than 1,000 images were entered into its annual photography competition, now in its 24th year, which showcases the work of amateur, reservist and cadet photographers.

Senior Aircraftman Graham Taylor, from RAF Coningsby, in Lincolnshire, was named the 2013 RAF Photographer of the Year.

His portfolio featured a shot of a Spitfire TE311 from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight performing a “hot start”.

It also included snaps of Typhoons at sunset and by starlight, showing the aircraft ready to launch in defence of the UK 24 hours a day.

He said: “It was a massive shock, but I’m very honoured to have won. I’m delighted to be recognised and to be able to showcase my work and the role of the Typhoon force and RAF Coningsby in defending the UK.”

Prizes were also awarded across 12 other categories ranging from operational profiles and current military equipment to sport and the Air Cadets.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford, presented the winners with their awards in a ceremony at the Royal Air Force Club in London.

He said: “The competition entries this year are once again of the highest quality and showcase not only the abilities of our Royal Air Force photographers but also the tremendous span of operations our people and equipment conduct.

“These dynamic images reflect the extensive breadth of Royal Air Force life, the critical contribution that our personnel are making to UK defence and operations around the world.”

Martin Keene, head of pictures at the Press Association news agency and one of the three judges, added: “The quality of the submissions has been fantastic and it has been a real privilege to see the breadth of work carried out by the RAF through its photographers.”