Judges in The Great North Photography Competition have given some tips to amateur photographers planning to enter the competition.

Mike Gibb, chief photographer of The Northern Echo, said that when judging begins on September 26 he will be looking for "something different" in the winning picture.

"I certainly won't be looking for a postcard-type snapshot," said Mike. "It will be something a little bit different, something that's well-composed and has good light."

He recommended that entrants consider taking their picture "in either the early morning or early evening - that's when we have some of the best light.

"It should be a dramatic picture and something that is well framed."

The competition's other judge, Sean Leonard, spoke about the rule of thirds when asked what he would be looking for in the winning picture.

"If someone is taking a picture of a lighthouse or a statue, it shouldn't be positioned in the middle of the photograph," said Sean. "A well-composed picture will have the dramatic element in either the first or last third of the picture in order to create a good sense of balance."

The competition, hosted by The Northern Echo and sponsored by Orange, encourages amateur photographers to capture the North-East and North Yorkshire on film or memory card.

Amateur snappers who have photo messaging on their mobile phones are also encourage to e-mail a picture.

The competition is open to any resident of the North-East and North Yorkshire and has two age categories, under-18s and 18 and over. A winner in each category will be selected, and each will receive a £150 prize.

Readers without Internet access can post their best photograph to The Great North Photography Competition, The Northern Echo, Priestgate, Darlington, DL1 1NF. Include a slip of paper indicating your name, age, full contact details and where the picture was taken.

For full rules, log on to www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk/gnpc/index.html