Northumberland in pictures: Britain's most beautiful county?
These beautiful photos of Northumberland show just how diverse and spectacular this part of Britain can be - and they're all winners or runners up of a popular photography competition which highlights the Northumberland National Park.
Aspiring photographers from across the region were asked to compete in the competition, a joint initiative between The Sill (a partnership between Northumberland National Park Authority and YHA (England and Wales)) and award-winning wildlife photographer and film maker Cain Scrimgeouran.
The competition's aim is to attempt to encourage people to explore the stunning Northumberland countryside all year round.
These photos of the take in the stunning Cheviots, North Pennines and Northumberland Coast and the rugged landscape of Hadrian's Wall country, and encapsulate the beauty of the area perfectly.
Almost a hundred entries were submitted to the competition featuring everything from the lush landscapes in Kielder to a roe deer in a frost-covered field, leaving the panel of eight judges with the challenge of picking their top three entries.
The overall winner was Martin Ellis, from Gateshead, with his entry entitled Usway Burn.
Martin, 52, said: "I am really pleased that my photograph has been picked as the winner out of all the many wonderful images submitted. I do love this part of Northumberland, it never fails to put a smile on my face even when it's raining or blowing a gale, as it so often does.
"Seeing Batailshiel Haugh and the Usway Burn bathed in the late evening sun was something special: just a brief moment.
Photographers are now being asked to submit their spring-inspired images for the next phase of the competition, which is open to all ages and experience levels. The best entries will be uploaded to The Sill's social media profiles. Entries can be uploaded to Facebook, Twitter or submitted by email to thesillproject@gmail.com
Take a look at the winning images and a selection of other entries below
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