A thought-provoking, 27ft high sculpture, which prominently stood in the City during July, has captured the creativity and imagination of the many people who visited.
As part of the Knife Angel's official visit in July, members of the public were encouraged to grab their cameras and phones and showcase their creative skills by capturing an image of the sculpture that was unique to them.
The competition attracted more than 50 amazing submissions. The judging panel, made up of community volunteers who gave their time during The Knife Angel's visit to welcome and interact with visitors, were extremely impressed with the quality and imagination of entries.
John Simmons, Chair, Southend Street Pastors, said: "Following the involvement of the Southend Street Pastors with the Knife Angel, particularly our 'Day of Reflection' on Sunday afternoons, I was honoured to be asked to help judge an amazing set of photos.
"The variety of approach and the high quality of the submissions made for an extended and difficult judging session with much debate about every photo. But, in the end, we all agreed that the winners captured the pathos, location and incredible impact of the sculpture."
The winning image was submitted by Francisco Fernandez. The judges commented that this image was extremely impactful, capturing the power of the Angel's message and the sadness and despair etched on the sculptures face at the consequences of knife and weapon crime. Francisco received a voucher for a day or night out for four people at Caddies Crazy Golf in Southend.
Second place was an image submitted by Alexandra Popica, which cleverly captured the sculpture and the thousands of white ribbons and wooden hearts that decorated the barriers around the Angel, with messages of hope and inspiration, but also words from families who have lost loved ones or who have been injured in knife incidents. The judges said the image was very clever and really told the Knife Angel’s story in Southend and how it moved so many people. Alexandra won a voucher for Utopia Coffee Lounge in Southend.
Third place was an image submitted by Julie Ann Stevens. This image was highlighted because of its composition and focus, the judges really liked the strength and definition in the Angel's body and its placement in the image as well as the subtle reduced focus on the face. Julie Ann won a voucher for Utopia Coffee Lounge in Southend.
Avril Richards from Southend Prayer Pastors, said: "It has been a great privilege to be involved in the judging process of all these amazing Knife Angel images; it's been so difficult to choose a winner! The photos have again brought to life the sadness and perplexity of knife crime and how, working together, we all can play our part in prevention."
Ollie Wootton, one of the young people from Southend City Youth Council, said: "Having the privilege to judge the Knife Angel Photography competition has been one of my greatest joys surrounding the Knife Angel."
Cllr Martin Terry, cabinet member for community safety, said: "I want to thank everyone who entered the competition. Every entry evidenced the anguish, loss and sadness caused by knife violence, and enable us all to remember The Knife Angel's visit to Southend and the powerful message it sends.
"We know that hosting The Knife Angel was a unique chance to educate young people on the harmful and long-lasting effects that violent behaviour can have on communities, families, and victims. Huge congratulations to the three winners, your images really captured the real meaning of the monument."
Thank you to Caddies Southend and Utopia Coffee Lounge in Southend-on-Sea for their prize donations.
View some of the submissions and the three winners on Flickr.