The Judges
Nansy Ferrett
Judging the Art section
Nansy Ferrett is a local artist, known for her colourful cats which you can find in The Cabin of Makers on Campbell Street.
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.
Zoë Sharp
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.
Peter Hurst
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
Judging the Photography section
Victoria Clarke graduated from the University of Derby with a first-class degree in Commercial Photography and has since built a varied career across fashion, product, portrait and commercial photography.
She began her career working freelance at Belper Studio, photographing a wide range of subjects and producing video content for live music, theatre and local businesses, before going on to work as a full-time Photographer and Videographer for luxury knitwear brand John Smedley.
Victoria now works as a Photographer for luxury department store Liberty London, creating imagery for the Liberty website as well as for email marketing and displays in store. Her work includes photographing everything from fashion on models to jewellery, accessories, fabrics and homeware. She works closely with stylists, retouchers and other photographers, and also helps to train and support new photographers joining the team.
Victoria enjoys the variety of photography and the attention to detail that goes into creating a strong image. When judging the competition, she is always interested to see the different ideas and approaches each entrant brings, and hopes it encourages young photographers to trust their own eye and keep developing their individual style.
