BUDDING film-makers can showcase their talent through a competition that the North York Moors National Park is launching ahead of next year’s 50th anniversary of the Cleveland Way National Trail.

The competition opens tomorrow (Thursday), exactly one year before the long distance trail’s anniversary in 2019. The winning entry will go on to be used as the official Cleveland Way film, updating the original public information video that was created in the 1970s. Amateur and professional film makers, including students and graduates, will be asked to create a video lasting no more than two minutes that interprets the life, beauty and uniqueness of the 109-mile trail, which runs from Helmsley to Filey.

From the initial entries, a shortlist of three will go through to the second round where they will receive £1,000 each to put towards technical, audio and visual improvements on their original submitted film.

As well as seeing their entry become the official film, the winner will receive a further £1,000 prize; while the two runners-up will each receive £500 of outdoor clothing.

Malcolm Hodgson, National Trails Officer said: “So much has changed, not least the film production techniques but also in terms of some of the views and the way that the trail is now used since those early days back in the 1960s when the growing demand for multi day walking paths in the countryside led to its creation.

“While the historical sights and landscape remain pretty much the same, the towns and villages have changed, and now you’re as likely to see trail runners and walkers with dogs, or mountain bikers on the bridleway sections, as you are ramblers.

“We’re looking to reflect this and the special qualities of one of the nation’s favourite trails, particularly the sheer variety of the landscape and points of interest that visitors can enjoy, whether it’s the heather-clad moorland or the tranquil sandy coves along the coast.”

For information, go to northyorkmoors.org.uk/clevelandway