A Staffordshire University student and graduate have beaten competition from around the world to be shortlisted for an international blogging award.
Final year Law student Emma Blackband's blog Mountain Girlhas been shortlisted in the climbing category of the Simply Hike Blogger awards, a worldwide competition for outdoor bloggers.
“This is a really big accomplishment for me as I have only been climbing for a year and blogging for less than 4 months.” said Emma.
“All of the other people in my category are either sponsored by brands or are professional full-time climbers. I'm in disbelief that I've managed to reach the final.”
More than a thousand bloggers were nominated for the awards with less than ten being shortlisted in each of the six categories.
Emma is a member of the Stoke-On-Trent cadets and regularly goes climbing in the Peak District. She is also a member of the University’s Snow Sports society and has written about her skiing exploits on her blog.
“I've always had a passion for the outdoors and just started the blog to share my experiences and advice. I never expected something like this to happen.” said Emma.
Emma's climbing buddy and BSc(Hons) Geography graduate Chris Holloway has also been shortlisted for an award. His blogElectronic Mountain Leader has made it to the finals in the camping category.
“Whilst studying at Staffs I was able to explore my interest in the outdoors and I've continued with that since graduating.” said Chris who works in adult education, teaching Geography.
“It's amazing to have been shortlisted. I'm just blogging about something I enjoy so to be recognised for it is a bonus.”
The winners will be decided by a public vote open until 31 May. You can vote for Emma and Chris' blogs on theSimply Hike website.