IT was a bittersweet victory when a camera club took on their rivals and won best photo – but lost the contest overall.

Woodford & Wanstead Photographic Society hosted a battle with their Chingford counterparts this week (October 17).

Before they took them on, WWPS spent hours choosing its 15 best photos for the competition, which were judged on the night by Loughton Camera Club’s Sue Dobson.

But despite their efforts, it was Chingford who claimed the overall victory in the end.

Sue, who is also an East Anglia Federation of Photographic Societies judge, said: “It was a very difficult decision.

“All the images were excellent and the standards very high.”

There was a silver cloud for WWPS however, with club member Arnie Gobel bagging best photo of the night.

WWPS spokesman David Tyrell said: “It was a very close call, with only 10 or so points in it.

“Our spirits are by no means dampened and we’re already preparing for another competition with clubs from Chigwell and Walthamstow in November.

“Even if we didn’t get the overall prize, it was nice that Arnie got his.”

For more information on how to get involved with WPPS, see the website.