The Annual Exhibition Competition comprises both ‘Print’ and Digital Image’ sections. There is a Beginners’ category in each of the above. The other categories common to both sections are Pictorial, Portrait, Record, Natural History, and Open. The Print section also includes a ‘Multi Image Panel’ section open to both Beginners and Advanced Workers.

Judging for the above normally takes place in February of each year in time for the entries to be prepared for display in Stockport Art Gallery for a period of four weeks throughout late March and April. The Competition Judge will decide which entries deserve to be ‘Commended’, ‘Highly Commended’, ‘Very Highly Commended’ or the ‘Winner’.

The following awards are allocated to the winners of each section:

Print Section

Beginners	The J.J. Rothwell Bowl
Pictorial	The Fort Trophy
Portrait	The President’s Trophy
Record	The Advertiser Cup
Natural History	The Stockport Express Trophy
Open	Eric Anderson Trophy
Multi Image Panel	The Hilditch Cup

 Digital Image Section

Beginners	The Needham Cup
Pictorial	The Gladys Unwin Trophy
Portrait	The Sykes Trophy
Record	The SPS Trophy
Natural History	The Members Trophy
Open	The Jebson Trophy

Points are allocated to Beginners depending on how well their entries have done. (e.g. 5 points for winning) and once 20 points have been accrued the ‘Beginner’ is invited to join the ‘Advanced Workers’.

The relevant trophies or cups are presented on the opening night of each year’s Annual Exhibition by the Guest Speaker.