Incredible Images From A Year In The Royal Navy

The Royal Navy has announced the winner of its annual Peregrine Trophy photographic competition.

This year's prize has been taken by Fleet Region Photographic Unit North, after its eye-catching, powerful shots from 2016 wowed the judges.

The award is one of a number which aim to encourage quality imagery on the work of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

It's given to the photographic section or unit submitting the best portfolio of six images of service-related subjects captured throughout the previous year.

Just click above to scroll through and see some of the winners!

The Peregrine Trophy dates back to 1962, taking its name from HMS Peregrine, a Royal Naval Air Station where photographic training once took place.

It was originally awarded to an individual photographer judged to have taken the best photograph during the preceding year. 

The trophy was first won by Naval Airman Nick Gosney from HMS Seahawk, with a picture titled 'Wren at play' (a close up of a Wren with puffed out cheeks playing in the volunteer band at RNAS Culdrose).

In 1963 the Peregrine Trophy award grew and was awarded for six photographs in the categories of HM Ships, RN aircraft, trade activities, ceremonial, recreational activities and a free open subject.

Today the Peregrine Trophy is still awarded to a unit or section with the best portfolio of six images depicting personnel, equipment and operations of today's Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

It is a coveted prize which is deemed the highest award a photographer can win within the Royal Navy Photographic Branch.

The Royal Navy's Photographic Winners From 2017

• Peregrine Trophy: Fleet Region Photographic Unit North

(FRPU(N)) provides photographic support to all operational and non-operational ships in the northern region. It's headed by Chief Petty Officer (Photographer) Nick Tryon.

The winning portfolio is a showcase of service life on HMS Bulwark, Ocean, Dauntless, Middleton, Somerset and a scene from a multinational exercise.

• Commandant General Royal Marines Prize: Fleet Region Photographic Unit North
• Maritime Air Prize: Leading Photographer Ben Shred
• Best Professional Image In Show: Chief Petty Officer Photographer Thomas McDonald
• Spirit Of Diversity Award: Leading Photographer Dan Rosenbaum
• Royal Navy Photographer Of The Year: Leading Photographer Petty Officer Simon Ethell

PO Ethell said: "I'm delighted to have won Royal Navy photographer of the year and over the moon that my video has been recognised, as I’m passionate about video."

• Global Operations Award: Petty Officer Photographer Carl Osmond
• RNRMC Family And Friends: Leading Photographer Will Haigh
• The People's Choice Award: Leading Photographer Dave Jenkins 
• RN Amateur Photographer Of The Year: Lieutenant Jamie Weller RN
• Best Maritime Image: Petty Officer Photographer Carl Osmond
• Amateur Maritime Image Award: AB Ben Corbett
• RN Amateur Open Category Award: Chief Petty Officer Michael Weir
• Engineering Excellence Award: Leading Photographer Ben Shred
• Sea Cadet Amateur Open Category: Sally James

Royal Navy PEREGRINE TROPHY 2017 VIDEO WINNERS

• RN short form Digital Story Telling Video Award: Petty Officer Photographer Simon Ethell

• Royal Navy Video Production Award: Petty Officer Photographer Simon Ethell