An Andover student has won a competition to get her picture into a charity calendar which focuses on hope during lockdown.

Maizie Bennett, who studies at Andover College, beat many other competitors to become the winner of the youth category for Alabaré’s ‘This is My Hope’ calendar.

Her photo, Hopeful Reality, depicts a disposable face mask emblazoned with the word ‘hope’ being held up in front of a woman’s face.

Maizie said: “Photography is something that I am extremely passionate about, so I feel very fortunate to have come across this opportunity and delighted to have won the Youth Category.”

She won a gift voucher for her work, which she chose to donate back to the charity, which Alabaré called “a great act of kindness.”

Rebecca Mullen, Fundraising & Development Manager at the charity, said: “We launched the photo competition at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, never anticipating just how much as the year draws to a close it would still be impacting our lives.

“Through photography, we asked people to convey what their sense of hope was, for their life, community, and our world. For some it was their appreciation for our beautiful world, be it a magical place they were looking forward to seeing once more, or beautiful people they were unable to see.

“The national world featured heavily and maybe there is something about a beautiful view to help us get a sense that this too will pass. For others, it was family and those whom we consider precious. As a charity that rebuilds lives, we hope this calendar provides hope during a time of possible uncertainty.”

Other winners in the calendar contest include Garry Cleasby, from Manchester, who won first place with his picture Three Generations of Hope. It shows the arrival of their grandson during Covid which they were unable to meet as soon as Garry would have liked due to restrictions.

Second place was Hope in my Family by Sam Tansey, a professional videographer from Poole, while Sue Ford’s picture of her dogs in a daisy field came third.

Alabaré was founded in 1991 and supports vulnerable, homeless and marginalised people across England and Wales.

Anyone interested in buying a copy of the calendar can click here head to their eBay store.