The Judges
Nansy Ferrett
Judging the Art section
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Nansy Ferrett is a local artist, known for her colourful cats which you can find in The Cabin of Makers on Campbell Street.
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After graduating in Design Crafts at The University of Cardiff in 1999, Nansy has continued to work in a variety of mediums, currently focusing on illustration and ceramics.
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Zoë Sharp
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Judging the Writing section
​Zoë Sharp was born in the East Midlands, but spent most of her formative years living aboard a catamaran on the northwest coast of England. She opted out of mainstream education at the age of twelve, and wrote her first novel at fifteen.
She began her highly acclaimed series featuring no-nonsense ex-Special Forces trainee turned bodyguard heroine, Charlie Fox, after receiving death threats in the course of her work as a photojournalist. Her work has been nominated for numerous awards, been used in a Danish school text book, inspired an original song and music video, and been optioned for TV and film.
When not working on her novels or short stories, Zoë can be found improvising weapons out of everyday objects, giving self-defence demonstrations, renovating houses, or international pet-sitting. She is currently writing a new mystery thriller series for Bookouture, the latest of which is The Girl In The Dark, published in March 2024.
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Andy Hunt
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Judging the Cartoon / Manga section
Andy Hunt is an experienced graphic designer, producing all forms of graphics from logos for the Filling Station cafe, next to Belper Bus Station, to the programmes, posters and in-game social graphics for Belper Town Football Club. He has a love for cartoons from a childhood of Beano and Whizzer & Chips and watching Bananman and Thundercats, to his more recent years of Viz, Pixar films and Family Guy.
Peter Hurst
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Judging the Reel (Film Making) section
Peter Hurst is a partner in Immersive Productions, a commercial photography and video business based in Belper. He was also Belper and Duffield Rotary President 2022/23.
He has been a photographer for most of his long life but formalised his professional status by graduating with an Honours Degree in Commercial Photography from University of Derby in 2016. He spent fifteen years as the Public Relations Officer for Derbyshire Army Cadets. Peter said “I am very proud to be Associated with this project as it will encourage young people to become involved with the arts in a competitive and fun way”.
Victoria Clarke ​
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Judging the Photography section
Victoria Clarke graduated from the University of Derby with a first-class degree in Commercial Photography; she then worked as a freelance photographer and videographer based at Belper Studio for several years, shooting a wide range of subjects from fashion, portraiture, and products. Her current video portfolio includes live music, theatre, and business promotion.
Having a keen eye for detail and a longstanding interest in fashion, Victoria has worked as a
full-time Photographer and Videographer for luxury brands such as John Smedley in Matlock.
Victoria appreciates creative use of light and a sophisticated approach to visual storytelling in both her employed and freelance work.
