The deadline for entries to this year's Commonwealth Photographic Awards has been extended to January 31.

The competition is open to photographers - professional or otherwise - living in any Commonwealth country, and has a number of cash prizes on offer including £1,000 for the overall winner.

This year's theme is 'Achievement' and the Commonwealth Press Union, which organises the event, says pictures will be judged on the interpretation of the theme as well as technical quality.

For the first time, the competition is also offering one winner a four-week photographic residency at The Canberra Times in Canberra, Australia.

Entrants for The Canberra Times/CPU Young Photographer Award must be residents of developing Commonwealth countries and aged between 21 and 25.

There is also a storyboard award, which allows entrants to tell a story of 'Achievement' in three images. The winner will receive £250.

For more details about the competition go to www.cpu.org.uk

The winning images will be displayed in exhibitions at many Commonwealth cities including London and Melbourne.