A LOCAL sailor has entered a national photography competition.

Mark Garness, 35, from Mayfield Road, Worcester has entered the Countryfile Photographic Competition, from a BBC One television show after only taking up photography in November.

His picture is of Worcester River and it is taken near to the Cathedral.

Mr Garness, a logistics sailor who travels around the world for his job, posted his photo onto the Worcester News' Facebook page on Monday and amassed over 300 likes.

Mr Garness said: "This is the first time I have ever entered a photography competition, so I am really looking forward to hearing about if I have won.

"I was really surprised to get so many likes on Facebook.

"I treated myself to a camera in November as I wanted to try doing something different and I found out that I really enjoyed doing it."

He will find out if he has made the Countryfile calendar on Sunday August 28, with the top 12 then entering a public vote to decide the winner.

The theme of this year’s contest is ‘From Dawn Till Dusk’ showing the British landscape, captured at dawn, at dusk, and all hours in between.

John Craven, Countryfile's presenter, will be chairing the judging panel which this year includes Deborah Meaden from Dragon’s Den, comedian Rhona Cameron, and wildlife cameraman Simon King.

The winner will receive £1,000 of photography equipment and the calendar will be sold in aid of Children in Need.