AN exhibition of photographs charting what is happening to the planet and it's people is being staged at the North York Moors National Park centre at Dalby Forest .

Earth Photo is an international competition run by Forestry England and the Royal Geographical Society, challenging photographers and film makers to chart the changing world of nature and people.

The exhibition of the top 50 entries, is being held until December 31 at the Courtyard in the Dalby centre which is open daily from 11am to 4pm.

The winning photographs by Jonk, a freelance self taught photographer feature a range of abandoned buildings which have been reclaimed by nature. They include his image of a nature entombed Coffee Shop in Abkhazia, Georgia.

A spokesman said : "Far from being pessimistic, and at a time when human domination of nature has never been so extreme, these images aim to awaken our ecological consciousness. Nature is stronger, so whatever happens to humans, nature will always be there."

Mike Seddon, Chief Executive of Forestry England, added: "We have received breath-taking images from entrants all over the world and the six chosen winners have showcased the very best in environmental visual media. Their works connect us with our planet and opens discussions around the major environmental challenges that we face today."