Two Cumbrian newspaper photographers have been named finalists in a royal national competition.

Stuart Walker, photographer for the News & Star and The Cumberland News, and Leanne Bolger, who works for sister paper The Mail in south Cumbria, both have images which are among a long-list of 48 revealed in the Royal Rota Photography Competition.

The competition is organised by the News Media Association and open to photographers given close-quarters access to visits by the monarchy and to celebrate the best of royal photography.

And now the finalists have been chosen, it is down to the public to help ensure our Cumbrian images make it to the shortlist.

Stuart's image - captured through a tyre - shows Prince Charles visiting Carlisle's Pirelli factory, while Leanne's highlights the prince's softer side, as he meets a rescue dog in the Lake District.

Both pictures are shortlisted in the regional publication category.

Stuart said: "I am delighted to make the long-list for the second year in a row - and once again with a photograph of Prince Charles.

"It's always an honour to appear alongside some of the industry's best photographers, and to be listed alongside my colleague Leanne makes this year even better."

Among the other images in the running include several of Prince George and Princess Charlotte, nine of the Queen and five featuring American President Donald Trump.

The public vote - which is currently underway - closes on Friday and will then be judged by a panel of industry experts who will choose the winners for four categories: national newspaper rota photo of the year; regional/local newspaper rota photo of the year, rota picture agency rota photo of the year, and overall rota photo of the year.

To vote for Stuart, visit: www.newsmediauk.org/Royal-Rota-Photography-Competition-2019?id=154509