Three regional newspaper photographers have been shortlisted for a prestigious award designed to recognise coverage of royal visits after a week-long public vote.

The vote, which closed last Friday, was held by trade body the News Media Association to find the best of 48 showcased photographs from national and local newspapers, agencies and freelance photographers.

The NMA has now published the shortlist of contenders which revceived the most votes in the online ballot.

Shortlisted in the regional newspaper category Tim Thursfield, of the Express & Star, Adam Fairbrother of the Lynn News, and Jane Coltman, of the Northumberland Gazette.

Megan and Harry at Sandringham for Christmas Day service.  Picture Adam Fairbrother, Lynn News

Prince Charles at the garden party for volunteers and carers at The Alnwick Garden.           Picture Jane Coltman, Northumberland Gazette

Prince William visits Mary Stevens Park, Stourbridge, to unveil a statue of war hero Frank Foley.  Picture Tim Thursfield, Express & Star

Adam, who photographed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Sandringham last Christmas has been additonally shortlisted for a special award dedicated to photos of the royal newlyweds.

Their pictures will now be judged by a panel of experts, with the winners announced next week.

The competition was launched by the NMA to promote the outstanding work of photographers in the UK news media and the NMA’s media facilities services for members, which involves allocating passes for the hundreds of Royal engagements and ensuring that the material is pooled among members.

The full list of nominees is as follows:

National Newspaper Rota Photo of the Year

Duke & Duchess of Sussex during Wedding Procession (Craig Hibbert, Mail on Sunday)
Duke of Sussex Having His Beard Pulled (Ian Vogler, Daily Mirror)
Royal Wedding Car with Children (Philip Ide, Mail on Sunday)

Regional/Local Newspaper Rota Photo of the Year

Duke of Cambridge Unveiling Frank Foley Statue (Tim Thursfield, Express & Star)
Duke & Duchess of Sussex on Christmas Day (Adam Fairbrother, Lynn News)
Prince of Wales Visiting The Alnwick Garden (Jane Coltman, Northumberland Gazette)

Rota Picture Agency Rota Photo of the Year

Duchess of Sussex Walking Down Aisle (Danny Lawson, Press Association)
Duke & Duchess of Sussex Royal Wedding Carriage from Above (Yui Mok, Press Association)
Duke of Edinburgh’s Last Solo Engagement (Hannah McKay, Reuters)

Special Category – Rota photographs of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle together

Duke & Duchess of Sussex during Wedding Procession (Craig Hibbert, Mail on Sunday)
Duke & Duchess of Sussex on Christmas Day (Adam Fairbrother, Lynn News)
Duke & Duchess of Sussex Royal Wedding Carriage from Above (Yui Mok, Press Association)
Duke & Duchess of Sussex at Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup (James Veysey, Camera Press)
Duke & Duchess of Sussex Visiting Catalyst Inc science park in Belfast (Niall Carson, Press Association)