THE region's amateur photographers have only a short time left to enter The Northern Echo's photography contest.

The Great North Photography Competition, sponsored by Orange, closes tomorrow. It aims to find the best picture of the North in either film, digital or camera phone format.

There are two categories -under 18s and 18 and over.

More than 150 pictures have been entered so far, and include spectacular shots of architecture, dales, rivers and the region's coast.

Some of the best can be found on The Northern Echo's website.

Maureen Dixon, of Orange, said: "I am really impressed with the quality of pictures.

"Amateur photographers obviously have a lot of talent, and it is great to see a showcase of pictures on the website too."

People interested in making a last-minute entry can enter online at www.thisisthenortheast. co.uk/the_north_east/ gnpc/index.html or leave entries at The Northern Echo, Priestgate, Darlington.

People must include their name, contact details and information about where and when the picture was taken.

The Northern Echo's chief photographer, Mike Gibb, will select the winners on Tuesday and they will be announced online and in The Northern Echo.