MARWELL Wildlife has launched its Photographer of the Year competition 2010.

Celebrating the variety of wildlife, the competition is open to professional, amateur and young photographers alike.

The conservation charity is looking for striking images that capture the essence of nature in four categories: Flight (in support of Marwell's fundraising appeal for birds), Native Wildlife (flora and fauna from the British Isles), Marwell Wildlife residents and Funnies (nature at its most amusing).

Up to six images can be submitted per person and the deadline for entries is 5 June 2010.

To enter visit the accompanying link to this story and follow the simple instructions.

Alternatively images can be emailed to photocomp@marwell.org.uk (please include your name, address, age - if 15 or under -, image description and category. Young photographers aged 15 and below will qualify for the Junior category.

Judges include TV presenter Chris Packham and the Hampshire Chronicle's picture editor, Paul Collins.

The overall winning image will feature in Marwell's 2011 calendar and win a Canon Powershot SX200Is camera.

All the shots from category winners and runners up will be exhibited at the Winchester Discovery Centre this summer alongside the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2009 exhibition.