West Cumbrians are being encouraged to take part in a photographic competition to support their high street.

Shopping vouchers to be spent in shops in Allerdale and Copeland are up for grabs for the person who will snap the best shot of their town’s high street.

But old photos are also welcome to enter, provided they have not been published before.

Gerard Richardson, organiser, said: “If someone has a photo in their family archive we’d love to see those too. It all ties in with the idea of trying to get people back onto the high street after lockdown to support our local shops.

"Armstrong Watson are sponsoring two prizes for the best photos of any high street in Allerdale or Copeland, whether it's a village like Beckermet or a town like Whitehaven or Keswick.

"We're looking for the type of photo that would entice people to take a look themselves and, let's face it, West Cumbria is full of great potential images.

"There are two prizes, one for £200 for the best photo by an adult and the second for £100 for the best photo by an under-16. The winners can choose the West Cumbrian shop they want to have their voucher for as long as it's a locally owned business."

Richard Askew, of Armstrong Watson, said: "Shopping local puts money straight back into the local economy and will play a vital part in helping us to recover from the economic impact of coronavirus.

"Supporting our local businesses will save and create jobs, help to preserve and boost community spirit and help the environment. Those who regularly support local businesses already will vouch for the great relationships and deals that can be found out there and those considering doing it more often will be pleasantly surprised about the great value and service on offer.”

Cumbria's Lord Lieutenant Claire Hensman said: "Everyone takes photos all the time these days so I hope there will be an enthusiastic response to the Best High Street Photo competition, showing our high streets coming alive again after lockdown. So do get out there and capture a special moment in the life of your high street. Good luck.”

Entries open on Tuesday until September 30.

No image adjustments are allowed, the photo must be owned by the photographer and must be bigger than 1MB.

Entries can be emailed to gerard@richardsonsoffice.net.