Entitled Last Fish of the Day, it was taken by Andrew Cowan.

He is one of the amateur snappers who are competing in the contest, organised by Rutland County Council.

Organisers are already impressed with the quality and variety of pictures they have received but are looking forward to the competition hotting up as more entries come in.

The Rutland photography competition was launched last year to celebrate 10 years of the county's independence and was such a hit that it is back this year.

This time the theme is Rutland – Light and Shade, which the judges are hoping will attract a vast array of images that really capture the spirit of the county.

Councillor Peter Jones said: "Entries can be a photograph of virtually anything in Rutland with a light and shade theme that is visually interesting to you. Rutland is a beautiful county and there are hundreds of settings that would make the perfect picture."

The competition is open to all age groups of people who live and work in Rutland.

The overall winner will receive John Lewis vouchers worth £200. The runner-up gets vouchers to the value of £60 and the best photographer under 16-years-old will win £100 worth of vouchers.

Entrants can submit up to three photographs.

Closing date is Friday August 29 and the winner will be announced on September 13.

Mr Jones added: "A panel of judges will pick out their favourites ahead of a special exhibition at Oakham Castle.

"I am sure that the display itself will prove immensely popular."
Application forms are available from Rutland County Council on (01572) 722577 or via the email address at enquiries@rutland.gov.uk