A PHOTOGRAPHY student from an academy in Weston-super-Mare has won his first competition by capturing the Knife Angel sculpture.

Samuel Pepper, a Year 9 student from Broadoak Academy, captured the top prize in the Knife Angel photography competition for under 18s.

The Knife Angel is a contemporary sculpture made of more than 100,000 blades either donated by the public or seized by police.

It is a monument to the dangers of knife violence and has been touring the country – including a month-long stay in Weston during May.

During its stay in the Town Square, 14-year-old Samuel took his award-winning photo during a school trip to view the sculpture.

For his achievement, Sam received a £50 voucher for Mendip Activity Centre, a Knife Angel keychain, and pencils.

Inspired by his sister, who is also a photographer, Sam's favorite subjects to capture are landscapes and cars. He hopes to pursue a career in photography in the future.

Samuel said: “Seeing the Knife Angel close, I was compelled to take the pictures and I hope it helps raise the awareness of knife crime.

"I am taking GCSE photography next year so getting involved in this competition has given a good start towards this.”

Kayleigh Turk, Samuel's tutor at Broadoak, said: "We are so immensely proud of Samuel.

His achievement has brought further attention to anti-youth violence in our community.

“The powerful image captured by Sam will continue to share the poignant message of the Knife Angel here at Broadoak Academy for years to come."