The 2002 UK Picture Editors’ Awards, cancelled just before Christmas due to lack of funds, has been rescued by the intervention of Getty Images.

The cancellation had been viewed as an indication of the dire financial straights of the UK photo business, apparently no longer even able to support such a prestigious award despite the publicity such sponsorship affords.

Getty Images have joined the Corporation of London, Fujifilm and Guinness as a lead sponsor of the awards, which will be presented at a ceremony in the Great Hall of Guildhall in London.

Jonathan Klein, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Getty Images, commented, “2001 has proven to be a remarkable year in photographic journalism. We are delighted to support the Awards, acknowledged as being the key annual event for picture editors and photographers.”

The move is appropriate for Getty, coming after a year when they have aggressively promoted their Newsmakers service with considerable success.

Entries for the awards will be accepted from Monday, 21 January and close at noon on Tuesday, February 12. Details of the Awards are available here