FROM fantastic landscapes to intimate portraits and high-octane motorsport, it's been a terrific first year for The Northern Echo Camera Club.

The club, which was set up to give readers an opportunity to see their work in print and recognise their incredible photographic talent, now has more than 100 members who swap tips and pics via our Facebook page.

If you would like to see your work published why not join us? Membership is free and we welcome photographers of all skill levels.

You don't have to use expensive equipment to take a great photograph.

Some of the greatest pictures in history were taken with the most basic camera in the toughest of conditions. The trick is having the vision and creativity to create a great image.

As one of the greatest photographers of the 20th Century, Ansel Adams, once said: "There's nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept..."

The club meets every month at The Northern Echo's head office, in Priestgate, Darlington, and the next meeting will be held tomorrow night, January 3, starting at 7pm when The Northern Echo's photographic co-ordinator Sarah Caldecott will be announcing the winner of the picture of the month competition.

The photographer who takes the winning shot receives a cheque for £50 and a magnificent super-sized canvas print of their image.

To join us register at thenorthernecho.co.uk/photos/cameraclub or come along tomorrow night.