A photo showing how alcohol can threaten those with apparently secure homes and livelihoods has earned a student a photographic prize.

Ellie Jackson, 17, won the inaugural Kings Langley Secondary and Druglink photography competition This Could Be Us.

The award was launched at the end of 2020 to educate young people about the rise in harmful alcohol and other drug use throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

In muted colours, the Year 12 student's photo shows a smartly dressed man sat on the doorstep of a family home, with a bottle of whisky in his hand and a wine bottle behind him.

James Tubb, learning area leader for arts, head of art/photography and teacher of business studies at Kings Langley School said: “Ellie's work shows maturity and sophistication, providing a creative response in a non-stereotypical manner, something that the brief outlined.

“This project is a perfect example of local organisations working together for the good of its community.”

Drug charity says Druglink says the pandemic has induced a lot of fear, worry and concern in the UK population, with a rise in severe psychological problems.

Levels of loneliness, depression, domestic violence, self-harm and suicidal behaviour have all risen – as well as an increase in alcohol and other drug use.

Derek Heath, chief executive officer at Druglink, said: “As a local substance misuse charity, one of our key aims is to educate young people.

“Working alongside our local schools, such as Kings Langley Secondary, is one of the key ways to generate awareness.

“We hope that through the This Could Be Us competition, students have had the chance to think and talk about their own feelings and experiences.

“Ellie’s work was fantastic and she managed to achieve beautiful images of a truly complex subject.

She is a well-deserved winner and we look forward to using her photographs across our charity collateral.”

Find out more at www.druglink.co.uk and www.oxygenrecovery.co.uk