Launched to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the DNA double helix, the 'Imagine' competition, run in conjunction with the BBC, invited amateur photographers to send in images inspired by DNA, genetics and their implications. Special categories were set up for individuals and schools.

As the first half dozen photographs rolled in our hearts began to sink. As we opened one after another envelope containing family photographs and last year's holiday snaps, we began to worry that people had missed the point. Slowly but surely, however, more entries started to arrive and as they did their quality began to grow.

Sadly, some memorable entries did not make it into the final round. One of my favourites was a Lego man lying on the floor, a large dollop of ketchup on his chest. Standing over him is another Lego man holding some kind of large tool. An arrow has been drawn on the photograph pointing at this standing man and the caption begins: "This man is assaulting the other man with a chainsaw…". It is one of the more bizarre entries that we received (but by no means the most bizarre!). However, if you go on to read the rest of the caption it makes the point that advances in DNA technology have greatly improved our ability to track down crime suspects and to identify victims. Not bad going for a 12-year-old.

I think this summarises my experience of the photograph competition. We received loads of brilliant images, some not so brilliant ones and a handful that were totally off the wall, but every entry had something to say. I have been amazed at the breadth of ideas, by the originality and thought in the images, and by the fact that for every dark and foreboding image there were twice as many light-hearted and jovial ones.

External links

• Imagine (DNA 50 photographic competition: Images by the winners and runners up are displayed online)