TWO Tynedale photographers have excelled in this year’s North East Wildlife Photography Competition.

Haltwhistle’s Steve Wrightson and Ovingham schoolgirl Amy Hedley-Sterritt are snap-happy after impressing judges with their camera skills.

Steve was highly commended in the wildlife in the landscape category for his image of a curlew perched on a fence at Plenmeller Fell, near Haltwhistle.

It’s the latest honour for Steve, who previously won the wildlife category at the Scottish Seabird Centre National Nature Photography Awards in January 2015.

Ovingham Middle School pupil Amy (12) was all smiles after being highly commended in the young persons’ category.

The Year 8 pupil captured an impressive image of a sleepy swan at Willy’s Well near Wylam.

She said: “I’ve been interested in photography for quite a while, and entered five or six images in the competition.

“I was aware of the swan at this location and went out hoping to get a good photo, and managed to capture this image through a gap in a hedge.

“I am pleased with it and it’s nice that it has been recognised by the judges.”

More than 1,500 photos were entered in the competition, which is a joint effort by wildlife trusts in Northumberland, Durham and the Tees Valley, in conjunction with the Great North Museum and Alan Hewitt Photography.

First and second placed entrants in all six categories, as well as those whose entries were highly commended, will receive prizes and their work will feature in a touring exhibition.

Wildlife Trust director Jim Cokill said: “The North East Wildlife Photography Competition is a great opportunity for people to pick up their cameras, mobiles or tablets and explore their local wild places.

“The variety of entries is a testament to our region’s diversity of wildlife.”