AMATEUR photographers are being urged to look out of their front windows for inspiration for an annual competition.

Darlington Media Group and Marchday Group have teamed up to launch this year’s Big Snap event, run in conjunction with the Best of Darlington awards.

It is the fourth year the community photography competition has been run with this year’s theme being Beyond My Window.

Rosi Thornton, from Darlington Media Group, said: “This year’s theme is Beyond My Window and invites everyone, photographers of all ages and skills, to take photographs of Darlington life from beyond their window and send them in.

“The Media Workshop website contains further details of the competition including an entry form, competition rules and top photography tips and skills to help you get the best from your camera.”

John Orchard, director of Marchday, owner of Lingfield Point, said: “We are delighted to be once again associated with the Big Snap competition.

“Last year’s entries were of a very high standard. The winning photograph was exceptional and created a real buzz, eventually raising funds for St Teresa’s Hospice as a Christmas card.

“We are looking forward to viewing this year’s pictures.

The theme was chosen to support the Darlington Experiment and to encourage people to enjoy the beauty of Darlington’s natural landscapes.”

Two years ago the winning entry was Alison Gall, who had only taken up photography 18 months previously.

Last year’s competition attracted a record number of entries.

Peter Roberts won with a photograph of High Row in the fog, which was later turned into a greetings card.

Entries are being taken up to Friday, November 27, and will be judged by the panel in December. Winners will be announced in February, along with the rest of the Best of Darlington award winners.

Photographs and an entry can be sent to The Big Snap 2010, Darlington Media Workshop, Blanche Pease Annexe, Vane Terrace, Darlington DL3 2AX. For more details, contact 01325-488139 or see mediaworkshop.org.uk

■ Nominations are also open for the other categories in the Best of Darlington competition until November 30. Entry forms are available on The Northern Echo, Darlington Borough Council or Darlington Partnership websites, or at the town hall, Crown Street library and the Dolphin Centre.