A 12-year-old girl from Ross-on-Wye has been recognised in a national competition.

Helen Neacsu, a pupil at Monmouth School for Girls, finished third in the Year 7-9 section in The Geographical Association’s (GA) Physical Geography Photographic competition.

The former pupil at Gorsley Goffs Primary School was rewarded for her striking image of Ghajn Tuffieha and Gnejna Bays in Malta.

A fellow Monmouth pupil, Zoe Cripwell, who lives in Broad Oak, Herefordshire, was crowned the overall winner in the Year 7-9 section.

The competition required pupils to take a photograph of physical geography and to submit a brief description supporting the image, describing the location and physical processes taking place.

Helen said: “I am really happy because I entered last year and I didn’t get placed. It’s a lovely surprise.”

The judges said: “There is clear engagement with something spectacular and the final twist embraces physical geography as a friend rather than a foe – there is something wonderful in that. This is a very meritable third-place winner.”

A delighted Head of Geography at Monmouth School for Girls, Mr Nick Meek, said: “This is excellent news to start the year. It is a wonderful achievement to have two of our Year 8 pupils being recognised in a national competition.”

Helen has won a Paramo beanie hat and both girls will be invited to the GA Conference taking place at the University of Surrey in April.