WITH spectacular coastlines, moors and valleys, the North-East and North Yorkshire provide some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

The Advertiser is encouraging amateur photographers to capture the area on film, memory card or camera phone for The Great North Photography Competition, sponsored by Orange.

The picture must be taken in 2004 and can be any thing or any place in the region, although family shots and portraits will not be accepted.

Maureen Dixon, regional public relations and sponsorship manager at Orange, said: "It's great to be able to support an initiative that celebrates our region - its places, people and culture."

Entry format includes digital photos, phone photos or traditional film prints.

The competition has two age categories in the film and digital sections - under-18s and 18 and over.

A new category has been added this year: the camera phone category seeks the best picture taken by anyone of any age using a mobile phone.

A winner in each category will be selected. Each will receive a £100 prize.

The winners will be chosen from a shortlist by Mike Gibb, chief photographer of The Northern Echo.

For full competition rules, deadline, and how to enter, log on to www. thisisthenortheast.co.uk/gnpc/index. html