THESE are the winning shots of the 2013 Daily Echo and Castle Camera Bournemouth Air Festival photo-graphic competition.

The contest had more than 600 entries and the standard this year was heralded as the best-ever by the judges, who remarked on the diversity and technical ability of the snaps sent in by readers of all ages.

They eventually chose a stunning shot of the Red Arrows over the seafront as the crowds watch, next to the Jon Egging Memorial on the East Cliff as the adult winner.

It was taken by Guy Wood, 24, from Charminster. He said: “On the Saturday, I went to get a photo especially for the contest.

“I was nervous at the time because it was completely unexpected, but I was chuffed when I captured it.”

Guy bought his first digital SLR camera a year ago and says it is becoming “a bit more than a hobby”.

His prize for winning will be £300 of vouchers to spend in Castle Cameras.

In the junior section, nine-year-old Ajay Coombes’ photo of the Red Arrows performing their heart shape was the judges’ top choice. He wins a Canon A1300 camera.

Ajay, who lives in Charminster and goes to Yarrells Preparatory School, said: “I didn’t expect to win. I took a few pictures. I thought that one looked good.”

Mum Navarat said: “I wasn’t exp-ecting anything. He just loves playing about with the camera.”

The judging panel also decided to give a ‘highly commended’ prize to Mark Horsford, whose picture of the Red Arrows flying over a field captured their eye.

The Daily Echo’s super book of the Bournemouth Air Festival is available at £15.95. Order your copy online at bournemouthecho.co.uk/book