AN exhibition featuring images of Yorkshire Dales wildlife taken by a local photographer has opened.

Simon Phillpotts' new exhibition entitled Wild Dales is being held at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority's headquarters in Bainbridge, near Hawes, North Yorkshire.

The exhibition features more than 20 large photogrphs including a section of red squirrel images to promote the newly formed Wensleydale Red Squirrel group which aims to conserve and expand the range of the rare animals in the Dales.

The artist, who lives in Wensleydale, said: “Whilst there have been many photographic exhibitions showing the beauty of the landscape within the Dales, I wanted to highlight the amazing wildlife we have here, which is easily seen but very often overlooked.

“In selecting images for the exhibition I have tried to convey the character of the animals and show something of their habitat, giving a peek into their everyday lives as opposed to just showing the standard view you might see in any animal identification guide.”

The exhibition runs until Thursday, August 1 and is open Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4.30pm.