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A photo depicting a Scillonian farmer heading off to tend his fields in his vintage tractor on the island of St. Martin’s has scooped this year’s top prize in the annual Isles of Scilly Photography Competition, organised by the Islands' Partnership. Mark Smith, an IT Manager for IBM who lives in Leicestershire, took the photo entitled “The Daily Commute” on his family holiday to the islands this summer. His photo was selected as the outright winner from 40 shortlisted photos from across eight categories after he polled 1,280 votes following a public vote online on www.visitislesofscilly.com. Mark wins a three-night break for two at St. Mary’s Hall Hotel and return travel on the Scillonian III, courtesy of Isles of Scilly Travel. Mark, who has visited Scilly many times over the years, is a keen amateur photographer. “My mum first came to Scilly before she was married and I’ve been visiting the islands ever since I was a child. Now I bring my own children every two or three years for a family holiday, and despite being teenagers they still love Scilly and insist on coming with us,” says Mark.   “We were visiting St. Martin’s this year, when this farmer came past on his old tractor. Back home, I have a friend who had just bought a vintage tractor, so really, I took some photos for him!  Anyway, we got talking, as you always do with locals on Scilly and then, as he drove off, I noticed the beautiful backdrop and couldn’t resist one final photo. I had to be persuaded to enter the photo competition and obviously, I am very glad I did.  My children will be envious of me and my wife sneaking a weekend away on Scilly without them!” This year’s photography competition saw an unprecedented 1,350 entries, a record since the competition started back in 2014. “We’re always delighted that this annual competition creates a lot of excitement and enthusiasm from our visitors,” says David Jackson, Executive Director, Islands’ Partnership. “Importantly, from the IP's perspective, this competition really helps to augment Visit Isles of Scilly’s existing photographic library, with many featuring in our marketing materials. Mark’s photo, alongside a number of this year’s finalists will also feature in the forthcoming 2018 Isles of Scilly Guide.” The Islands’ Partnership would like to thank Isles of Scilly Travel and St Mary’s Hall Hotel for their support with the competition.