A PHOTOGRAPHY competition has been launched to showcase the very best images of people and communities from right across the country.
Communities in Focus is inviting photographers to submit snapsnots of local events happening in towns and cities here in our county.
Events in Essex such as Christmas lights switch-on parties and Christmas markets and fairs will provide perfect opportunities for photographers to showcase the people and places at the heart of our communities.
The contest has been set up by the Big Lottery Fund and national communications charity Media Trust, in partnership with the Thisis and localpeople community news sites run by Northcliffe Digital.
Lee Williams, executive director digital at Northcliffe Media, said: "Communities are at the heart of what we do.
"The communities we serve through our Thisis and localpeople websites already contribute heavily to the news and information we publish, supplying us with their photos and stories.
"Through this app and competition we hope to encourage yet more community content and look forward to showcasing some of the best entries as the competition progresses."
There will be two categories in the competition: one for inspiring images of community life, and the other for photos of projects funded by the Big Lottery Fund making a positive difference to people and communities.
One winner will be selected from each category by a high profile judging panel.
Each winner will receive a new Canon DSLR camera and two places on a photography training course supplied by Media Trust.
Entries to the competition must be submitted via Media Trust's Cam360, a new app and website specifically designed as a place to share and publish great images.
Simply register for free via the Cam360 website, or download the Cam360 app from the App Store on your iPhone, select one of the two categories and submit your photo.
Gavin Sheppard, Marketing Director at Media Trust, said: "This competition is a fantastic opportunity for people to capture and share photographs of their community.
"There are so many great stories in our communities and a huge number of exciting and inspiring photographs to match. We can't wait to see them."
All entries must be supplied with a caption explaining when the photo was taken and why it illustrates what's brilliant about their community, or Big Lottery Fund project.
Full details on how to enter are available here. Entries must be received by Wednesday, December 19.
