Gritty images win awards

AN EMPTY row of chairs, a urinating nightclubber and an underwear collection were among the winning exhibits in the annual Association of Photographers' Assistants Awards for new photography.

The competition, run by the association and sponsored by Fujifilm, attracted a record 900 entries, and 135 images were selected for inclusion in a touring exhibition and a book.

The winner of the prestigious Veliva Bursary, worth pounds 2,000, was Nadege Meriau.

Some of the judges grumbled that while the standard was exceptionally high, there was too little humour.

The touring collection is on display at the Association of Photographers Gallery at Leonard Street, London until 7 November.