PHOTOGRAPHERS could win themselves up to £500 by entering a competition aimed at capturing local life.

What’s New is the title of the contest which is aimed at people living, working and studying in North Staffordshire.

This year the People’s Choice category – the winner of which is selected by a public vote – is being sponsored by regeneration organisation RENEW North Staffordshire.

The winner will receive a cheque for £500 and the two runners-up will each receive £250.

Images should appreciate, comment on and document the area’s rich heritage or capture changes taking place in North Staffordshire.

Suggested subjects could include public and private buildings and spaces, indoors or outdoors, gardens and parks, workplaces, schools, colleges, faith centres, hospitals, streets or shops.

Brian Ward, Stoke-on-Trent City Council cabinet member for regeneration, said: “North Staffordshire is changing rapidly.

"We need to preserve and enhance the local character of our towns and communities as old buildings are converted to new uses and as we create exciting and distinctive new buildings and places.

"The People’s Archive website is helping tell the story of those changes. We are very pleased to sponsor the People’s Choice award through RENEW North Staffordshire and the People’s Archive site.

"I'm sure we will see some inspiring  examples of what’s new in our region.”

The annual competition, which is open to both amateur and professional photographers, is organised by Urban Vision North Staffordshire – an architecture and urban design centre.

The competition is free to enter and the deadline for entries is 3pm on Friday, February 26.

All images will be exhibited at Burslem School of Art and online at www.thepeoplesarchive.co.uk from March 19 until April 9.

Entry forms are available from Burslem School of Art, libraries and community centres throughout North Staffordshire, online at www.uvns.org or by contacting Fiona Waddle at Urban Vision on 01782 575321.