A photographer has beaten 300 other competitors from 22 countries to win an international award.

Hayley Pang was crowned the winner in the Enterprise category of the International Citizen Service photography competition.

The 24-year-old from Rickmansworth took the winning shot while volunteering in Tanzania earlier this year.

She spent three months working on a project helping local farmers develop their business. She spent three months helping to produce, package and market a locally grown chilli sauce – Mr Pili Pili sauce.

Miss Pang said: “I took the photo at the end of my placement when our team set up a final meeting with the farmers who produced the chilli sauce.

“This was so that we could say our goodbyes and encourage them to take ownership and build the startup as they felt necessary. We passed on information to the farmers and advised them how they could keep the project going with a partnership from VSO Tanzania.

“The best thing about being in Tanzania was being part of a warm and hospitable community. When you’re in the field working with those considered ‘poor’, you realise the amazing potential people have.

“You learn that it shouldn’t be about us in the West enforcing our development agendas on others but rather, partnering with others and seeing the incredible skills they have to offer and teach us.”

Miss Pang’s photo was chosen by a panel of three photography professionals and many of the 4,000 online voters who helped choose the shortlist.

Felicity Morgan, director of the International Citizen Service, said: “Hayley’s photo invites you into the world of an international volunteer. Volunteering overseas isn’t just about travelling and experiencing new cultures, it’s about making a real difference to the community you’re in.”

The photo will be on display at Westminster Central Hall, London, until January 3.