Entries are now open for a prestigious award scheme which aims to recognise the best press photographers in the country.

The Picture Editors’ Guild Awards will celebrate London 2012 with the launch of a new awards scheme for the best Olympic image taken by a professional press photographer across five categories.

The Olympic contest, which also has a prize for amateur photographers, runs alongside the Guild’s annual contest which has eight categories, including awards for the best regional photographer, sports photographer and business photographer.

Experienced picture editors will judge the contest, with David Ofield of the Evening Standard taking on the role of chairman of judges.

The best photo of the eight categories will win the SABMiller Photographer of the Year title and previous winners have been the Guardian’s Martin Argles and Matt Dunham of Associated Press.

Guild chairman Alan Sparrow said: “The awards have got better each year. I believe they are now the ultimate test and celebration of British press photography – the most dynamic and competitive media workplace in the world.”

Entries for the main awards must be submitted by 26 July and for the Olympic competiton, the deadline is 26 September.

A ceremony to present all the awards will be held on 8 November at the City of London headquarters of the Honorable Artillery Company.

For information on how to enter, click here.