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Search is on for picture perfect photographers

Regional press photographers are being given the chance to win up to £4,000, with the launch of this year’s Picture Editors’ Awards.

The annual event recognises the best photographic talent in the UK and Ireland, and is also open to British and Irish photographers working abroad.

A host of regional photographers, including Phil Cannings from the Newbury Weekly News and Cate Gillon of the Edinburgh Evening News, were among the winners at the 2004 competition, and it is hoped that once again it will attract a large number of entrants from the industry and colleagues working for nationals, agencies or as freelances.

Once again there will be categories for Regional Photographer of the Year, Photographer of the Year – Local Newspapers, Sports Photographer of the Year and Young Photographer of the Year, all with prize-money of £2,000, and an overall Photographer of the Year will scoop £4,000.

Among a total of 16 awards there will also be prizes for the best photographers covering news, celebrities and the Royals.

Entries are now being accepted via the website www.pictureawards.net, and the closing date for entries is Tuesday, February 8.

Entries are initially assessed by a panel of around 30 picture editors. Picture editors of all daily, evening and Sunday titles across Britain and Ireland will then be invited to vote for the ultimate winners.

The awards will be presented at a ceremony in the Great Hall of Guildhall in London on Monday, May 23.