A PHOTO competition is encouraging people to get snap happy to celebrate the 160th anniversary of a building society.

The Northern Echo has joined forces with Darlington Building Society for the Winning Smile competition – which features a digital SLR camera as the top prize, and other prizes of £50 of Marks and Spencer vouches for adults and £25 of iTunes vouches for youngsters under 17.

There’s no shortage of reasons to feel happy about living in the North-East and North Yorkshire, so we’re looking for your pictures, capturing the joy to be found in our area.

2016 is a landmark year for Darlington Building Society as it celebrates its 160th anniversary.

During the year the building society has pledged to donate 160 hours of staff volunteering; to raise £160,000 for local good causes; and to support 160 organisations using company resources, including building space, staff time and skills.

The competition is split into adult and junior categories, with monthly prizes awarded by judges nominated by Darlington Building Society.

An overall winner will be chosen in a vote by readers of The Northern Echo in November, and the competition runs until October 31.

All the entries can be viewed at The Northern Echo website each month.