KEEN amateur photographers are being offered the opportunity to capture the special qualities of the Howardian Hills in a new competition.

Rural Action Yorkshire, The Howardian Hills Area Of Natural Beauty(AONB) and the Yorkshire Arboretum have joined together to launch the first ever Howardian Hills Photography Competition.

A selection of prizes are on offer and all finalists will see their images displayed at the Yorkshire Arboretum near Castle Howard.

Maggie Farey, North Yorkshire development officer, for Rural Action Yorkshire, said: "Whatever your interest there is a category for you. We are welcoming pictures on the themes of landscape, natural history, history and heritage and living and working in the AONB.

She added: "We also have a class for young photographers – we would like the images in this category to show us what is special to you about this area."

The winner of each category will receive a prize and the overall winner will also receive a framed print of their photograph.

Prizes have been donated by Castle Howard, HPE Print, Joe Cornish Gallery, McLarron's Insurance, Rural Action Yorkshire, Forestry Commission and Fruit Photo Art (Norton Framing).

The competition will culminate in an exhibition of the finalists’ entries at The Yorkshire Arboretum in Spring 2015 and a prize giving evening.

Maggie said: "Why not get out there and make the most of the amazing autumn colour that is just starting to appear in the Howardian Hills. "Autumn and winter are stunning times to enjoy our special landscape, wildlife and historic buildings."

She added: "There is so much inspiration out there you can’t fail to take a photo that you are pleased with."

All photographs must be taken within the Howardian Hills, a map of the AONB and full set of competition rules is available on the Howardian Hills website www.howardianhills.org.uk

The closing date for entries is January 9.