PHOTOGRAPHERS IN MORAY are being urged to enter a national photography completion being organised by the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society.

The Moray Firth has inspired thousands of stunning images by professional and amateur photographers alike, with people travelling hundreds of miles to capture the unique coastline.

Now snappers are being invited to enter their best work to a competition that is aimed and bringing a sense of the sea back to some of the UK’s veteran mariners.

Images will be displayed during the annual Seafarers Awareness Week celebrations with the Society encouraging photographers to get involved by sending in their pictures of the coast, seafarers and the sea, whether in relation to work, wildlife, seascapes or fun.

The competition will be judged by a prestigious panel of media and maritime experts including the chief executive of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, Commodore Malcolm Williams.

Commodore Williams said: “As an island nation, Britain is still heavily reliant on the sea for work, food and fun.

“This competition has seen two very successful years so far, with more than 400 entries last year. It gives us a unique opportunity to raise awareness of all those who dedicate their lives to the seafaring professions and to encourage those fishermen and mariners who may need the Society’s help and support to come forward.”

The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, which celebrated its 175th anniversary last year, gives financial support to fishermen, mariners and their dependants who are suffering hardship.

In the last year the organisation handled 650 new applications for assistance and distributed £1.4million across 2,200 cases of need.

Deadline for competition entries is August 7 – for more information email Mike Renton or visit the society Facebook page.