A STUDENT has been recognised by judges of a photographic competition for her work highlighting the impact of mental illness.

Moreton Hall student Abigail Pickersgill, 17, was chosen by BBC Picture Editor Phil Coomes as his favourite photograph at a ceremony in London.

The annual competition organised by the Economic and Social Research Council, this year entitled Better Lives, aims to get 14 to 18-year-olds to explore creatively the relevance of social science to society.

Abigail was awarded £50 in vouchers at a special ceremony at the Espacio Gallery for her picture in the Better Health category

Portrait 5965 features a headshot of a smiling girl with a black eye.

Speaking about her work, Abigail said: “When someone is suffering and a scar or symptom is visible, others may be more understanding than if the pain was internal.

“Portrait 5965 challenges the concept of mental illness not having a visible effect – the title is based on the number of people who took their own lives in 2017.

“If mental illness had a visible effect, we would constantly see people with scars and bruises thought our everyday.”

Sally Penrose, photography teacher at Moreton Hall, says: “Photography is only in its second year of running at Moreton Hall, however it is going from strength to strength.

“We encourage the students to involve themselves with competitions as it is great for their personal development, but also a fantastic opportunity to explore big ideas and use photography as a powerful way to communicate them.

“The Economic and Social Research Council’s photography competition is prestigious and highly regarded, and the standard of winners is always incredibly high.

“For Abi’s entry to have been selected as judge’s choice is such a fantastic achievement and something the students, and we as a school, are incredibly proud of.”

Phil Coomes, BBC Picture Editor and judge said: “I chose this picture as my judge’s favourite as I felt it spoke to me on many levels. It’s complex.

“The young woman’s smile conflicts with the bruises and so we start to ask questions, and that is the purpose of all good photography, to make us question the world around us.

“In this case it challenges our perceptions and instant responses to those around us. It is a picture that will stay with me.”

Professor Jennifer Rubin, Executive Chair of ESRC said: “There were some brilliant entries to this year’s ESRC Photo Competition.

“My congratulations to all of our prize winners, who displayed a breadth of social science research and have helped to show how social science can contribute across a number of areas from the economy to the environment.”

All the winning photographs will be displayed at a special exhibition at the Espacio Gallery between March 27 and 30.