Northumberland in pictures: Amazing photography competition entries

A UK photography competition has captured the imaginations of scores of budding photographers in the UK, resulted in a collection of stunning images that celebrate the natural beauty of Northumberland.

The Sill, a partnership between Northumberland National Park Authority and YHA (England and Wales) to create the nation's first landscape discovery centre in the Hadrian's Wall area of the National Park, launched the competition last year in a bid to encourage people to explore the county's countryside all year round.

Almost 100 images were entered, capturing everything from feral Northumbrian goats to the snow-covered Breamish valley.

Judge Jude Leitch, from Northumberland Tourism said: "The variety of Northumberland's spectacular landscapes always amazes and this was amply demonstrated by all the entries in the Sill's photography competition. The county's wild and rugged side as well as its softer, tranquil beauty were presented often in surprising and creative ways.

The competition is closely tied to the aims of the Sill, Northumberland's planned £14.2m project which will offer a unique opportunity to help more people explore, learn and be inspired by the nation's finest countryside. The project was recently awarded a £7.8m grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund, taking it a step closer to reality. If the remaining funds are successfully raised, the Sill's activity programme will launch later this year, with the centre due to open in 2017.

Take a look at the entries below and see the winning entry...

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