RESIDENTS of all ages and abilities have been encouraged to share their favourite snaps of the Cotswolds for a competition. 

Cotswold District Council want to see pictures of local people and communities as well as scenery photographs of the district’s countryside, towns and villages.

The best photographs will selected by a judging panel and will be printed and displayed in the council's buildings and on the CDC website, with a credit to the photographer. 

They will also have the chance to be featured across the council's social media channels and newsletter content. 

Applications for the competition opened today (September 7) and will close at 11:59pm on Thursday, October 19. 

Photos submitted must be no smaller than 2MB and should not exceed 10MB. 

A selection of pictures will then be entered into a prize draw where the winner will receive a 60cm x 40cm canvas of their image and a Cotswold Edition Monopoly Board.

Two runners will also win a Cotswold Edition Monopoly Board.

CDC cabinet member for health, leisure and culture, Cllr Paul Hodgkinson said: “This is a creative competition which anyone can get involved in.

"It's going to be a great opportunity to showcase the Cotswolds, as well as celebrate the communities and images which make the district what it is.

“We want anyone of any age or ability to enter this competition, whether you’re an experienced photographer, just starting out in photography or take the odd snap on your phone.

“As a keen photographer myself I always appreciate the amazing pictures which people share on social media.

"We are asking residents to send their own images because they know our district best and we are sure will take photos that really capture the spirit of our unique area.

“The photos will replace the imagery we currently have and help bring some life back into the council buildings and website, showing off our area to all those who visit. 

"Please be as creative as you like!”

To submit a photo visit tinyurl.com/ymrvv2wp or email it to  communications@cotswold.gov.uk.