YOUNG photographers in Herefordshire urged to enter RSPCA’s photo competition.

The RSPCA’s Young Photographer Awards is now open for entries and to showcase their talent and love of animals and nature.

Last year, more than 4,000 children and young people with a passion for photography, animals and nature entered the competition.

Now budding photographers aged 18 years and under are being asked to submit their photographs capturing the animal kingdom on a camera or mobile device.

Award-winning photographer and photographic guide, Ellie Rothnie, will once again be part of the judging panel this year.

Ellie said: “The RSPCA’s Young Photographer Awards is the ultimate celebration of young creative talent. Every year, the entries are astounding, and indeed many winners from this competition have become immensely successful professional photographers. I am truly honoured to be a judge again, I can’t wait to see this year’s entries.”

This year, the charity has launched a brand new category aimed at telling the story of an individual animal or commenting on the wider natural world.

The ‘Documenting Animals’ category will consist of three photos which will document real stories, events and animals and aims to inspire, educate and make change for animals.

Entrants in this category will use their photojournalist skills to raise awareness, spark a discussion or accurately capture the world as it is today.

Andrew Forsyth, RSPCA photographer and competition judge, said: “We’re looking for a positive story that leaves a lasting impression.

“We want the entrants to show that they have thought about the narrative of their images, perhaps they might show the changing landscape of a nature reserve or a conservation project, maybe showing how humans help animals through rewilding initiatives or volunteering, or perhaps the images capture a series of moments which perfectly encapsulates an animal welfare or conservation issue.

“It’s an opportunity to use your imagination and natural curiosity and we’re excited to see what our budding young photographers in Herefordshire come up with.”

The category will also require entrants to write 120 words to illustrate the series detailing what inspired them and give some background on what the story means for the animals involved.

The competition’s closing deadline is August 13.

To submit your entry, or for more information on the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards, latest news, galleries and photo tips visit: https://young.rspca.org.uk .