An NCTJ photojournalism student at the Norton Centre of Sheffield College has won a six-month paid contract at The Times.

Katherine Batchelor, from Yorkshire, is the first winner of The Times/Tabasco Young Photographer of the Year Award and starts at the newspaper in August. The contract was her prize.

The judges were impressed by the overall standard of entrants and felt that any one of the six who made it to the shortlist would have been a credit to the scheme.

Katherine’s picture selection showed the versatility and flair for which they were looking.

Times executive editor Richard Holledge said: “Katherine has the qualities of skill, imagination and determination which will make her a fine photographer. Who knows, she may be picking up awards for the paper in the not too distant future.”

Katherine, (23), will work in all editorial departments of the paper and her prize also includes a trip to Louisiana, home of Tabasco, to work on an original photographic portfolio.

Richard added: “This is an important day for the paper and, we hope, for Katherine. We genuinely felt that all the finalists will be successful in photojournalism.

“This award is part of The Times’ determination to become recognised for the high standard of photography which is part of the paper day in, day out.”

Katherine’s head of photojournalism Paul Delmar said: “What an opportunity for an NCTJ pre-entry photographer – Katherine is great to work with.”

During her six-month bursary she will be supplied by Olympus Cameras.

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