LOCAL estate agent Mullucks Wells has launched its first ever photography competition for schoolchildren in Saffron Walden and Newport.

The competition is open to children up to the age of 16, attending any of the area’s primary or secondary schools. The winning entrant will receive a day’s tuition with a professional photographer, to learn the tricks of the trade.

Company director William Wells said: “Whether it’s a snap taken on your mobile, a picture of your pet or maybe a beautiful view, if you’ve got a picture you’re particularly proud of then do send it in. We want to encourage young people to look around them and enjoy what they see – and who knows, we might find the area’s next top photographer.”

The competition has two age groups, the under-12s and 12 to 16 year olds. Entries must be A4 size – either portrait or landscape - and be accompanied by the entry form which is available at schools or from the Mullucks Wells website, mullucks.co.uk.

Entries will be judged by an independent panel of three, including two professional photographers. The closing date is March 31 and all entries will be on display at a public exhibition at Dame Bradbury’s School in Saffron Walden on April 21 and 22.