PICTURE this is the challenge being thrown open to young people in Stourport in a junior photography competition.

Stourport Civic Society is organising the competition, which is being sponsored for the third year running by West Midlands Co-op and runs during spring half-term week.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three entrants in two age categories, for eight to 12 and 13 to 18.

Jill Fairbrother Millis, secretary of the civic society, said: "We hope that lots of young people will be inspired to develop their photography skills and we're very excited at the prospect of seeing this year's work on display."

All entrants can take part in a free photography workshop on Tuesday and Thursday, when they will be given advice by professional photographer, Lindsay Wilson.

Candidates will then be asked to submit their images to be judged on Monday, June 13.

Maxine Fish, community and membership development officer at West Midlands Co-op, said: "We're delighted to be able to support the Stourport Civic Society junior photography competition.

"This is the third time the Co-op's been involved in the competition and, in that time, we've seen some brilliant pieces of work, so we're really looking forward to viewing this year's submissions."

The competition is intended to encourage young people to take more interest in their surroundings besides developing their creative skills.

All entrants' work will be exhibited in Stourport town centre and at Kidderminster Arts Festival in August.

Anyone interested in booking a place on the photography workshop or entering the competition can call Susannah Ronan on 01562 732978 or e-mail her at susannah.ronan@wyreforestdc.gov.uk