THE diverse wildlife that can be seen across the region has been the focal point of a photography competition that captured some of nature's true glories.

The North East Wildlife Photography Awards attracted 1,661 photographic entries which included a pheasant in the wilds of Northumberland, a honey bee at work, an orange tip butterfly and a waxwing dining on a berry.

The prize of £250, a Photography Workshop with Northern Experience and Digitalab canvas print of his photograph went to Jonathan Gaunt’s 'Pheasant at Wooler, Northumberland'.

The photographer received his award from BBC Naturalist, entomologist and presenter of the recent Monkey Planet, Dr George McGavin, who choose the overall winner.

Entries from across the Tees Valley were shortlisted for the awards included Tim Cussons' 'Waxwing with berry' which won him the top prize in the Wildlife portrait section.

The Marton photographer said: "The waxwings had been Salthome for a few days but in quite small numbers unlike the previous year when we had a big influx. There were quite a few photographers there weather was good but cold. I took 1,037 pictures on this visit. And this was one of the 36 photographs that I ended up with."

Other entrants included a picture of a 'Little Egret' by Ian Reynolds, 'Honey Bee at Work' by Jonathan Green and an 'Orange Tip Butterfly' by Daphne Aplin.

Steve Ashton, Tees Valley Wildlife Trust’s People and Wildlife Manager and one of the judges, said “The standard of entries is getting higher every year and it is getting really difficult to pick the winners.

"But I would encourage everyone who is out and about in the North-East countryside to think about taking a picture and entering the competition next year.

"With so many categories it is quite easy to find one that suits your particular cracking shot.”

The competition is organised by the Tees Valley, Durham and Northumberland Wildlife Trusts, The Great North Museum: Hancock, the Natural History Society of Northumbria and Alan Hewitt Photography.

You can see all the winners at northeastwildlifephoto.co.uk/ and also at the exhibition at the Great North Museum: Hancock until September 27 – admission free.