SNAPPERS can dust off their tripods and polish their lenses and enter this year's West Oxfordshire District Council's photography competition.

From scenic images of local towns, villages, countryside and buildings, to atmospheric shots encapsulating what it is like to live in the area, photographers of all abilities and ages are being invited to enter.

It is the fifth year the council has run a photographic competition and this year’s winner will receive a ready-to-hang art canvas of their image donated by Witney-based Blueprint Imaging Ltd, as well as afternoon tea for two served in the Wedgwood Lounge.

Councillor Richard Langridge, cabinet member with responsibility for tourism, said: “West Oxfordshire is a beautiful part of England with stunning countryside and traditional buildings and historic towns. "We have vibrant communities, interesting places to visit and an endless list of things to do, along with shopping opportunities and a diverse range places to eat, have fun or relax.

“We’re looking for images that really get to the heart of West Oxfordshire and capture what it has to offer to help us show everyone just what a fantastic place this is.”

For full details and a competition entry form visit oxfordshirecotswolds.org/photos, call Diane Blackwell on 01993 861553 or email diane.blackwell@westoxon.gov.uk.

The winning photograph and a selection of some of the best entries will be used in the Council’s tourism marketing publications and on the Oxfordshire Cotswolds website.

The closing date for entries is Monday, March 31.