Laura Woodward-Drake, chairman of the Exmouth Chamber of Commerce, has written about the response they and the Budleigh Chamber of Commerce have had to a photo competition intended to spread some joy during lockdown

The Exmouth and Budleigh Chambers have been blown away by the amazing response to the sunrise/ sunset competition.

With more than 200 entries, it's clear that January was full of some amazing views in our towns. The competition is now closed for entries.

We hope that it helped raise spirits during a usually blue month and look forward to announcing the winner next week! Thanks to the amazing donation from Mark and his team at Home Instead, East Devon, the winner will receive £75 to spend in a local shop of their choice.

Exmouth Journal: Graham Stevens captures a sunrise at WoodburyGraham Stevens captures a sunrise at Woodbury (Image: Graham Stevens)

Exmouth Journal: Sunrise at Point in View Chapel Exmouth- Christine ChittockSunrise at Point in View Chapel Exmouth- Christine Chittock (Image: Christine Chittock)

Having been involved in the various business support initiatives we arranged last year, it was important to all of us that the competition brought the community together and gave something back to the high street.
Hopefully February will bring brighter news, but at least we are lucky to be in a location where the sunrises and sunsets are absolutely breathtaking

Exmouth Journal: Sunset in Budleigh picture by Tony VelteropSunset in Budleigh picture by Tony Velterop (Image: Tony Velterop)