DARWEN Civic Society’s annual photographic competition comes of age this summer when their 21st exhibition is staged at the library.

I’ll be entering two or three pictures as usual but I’ve probably got more chance of winning the Lottery than getting my hands on a slice of the £150 prize fund.

At least I can claim to have already made a contribution.

The Rev Geoff Tolley, who organises the competition, put my suggested theme to the Civic Society and it got the nod.

It's not easy dreaming up a different angle after 20 years, but this year it’s going to be “Darwen water features.”

As I said to Geoff, an entry might show raindrops running down a window pane with the Tower in the distance or a deer skipping along the edge of Sunnyhurst Reservoir.

It might be a shot deep in the Clough where the River Darwen burbles and bubbles as it starts its long journey to the sea; it might be shoppers wading through the puddles on the market car park.

Over the years themes such as “Darwen in Bloom” and “Parks and Open Spaces” have captured the imagination.

Perhaps, sadly, the biggest entry ever was for “Eyesores of Darwen” a few years ago.

It really captured the imagination of old and young alike.

It struck a chord and local councillors were embarrassed enough to mount something of a clean-up operation.

Geoff is always enthusiastic and pleasantly surprised at the effort local folk put into their entries.

“You don’t need a really expensive camera, just a bit of imagination. And perhaps a nice day with a bit of sun!” he says.

The cash prizes are certainly worth picking up with £75 shared between winners in the senior section and nearly £50 for the under-16s.

And there are also prizes for school projects. St Barnabas’ Primary School is always a keen supporter and former head teacher Margaret Mitchell will no doubt be going back again to organise another shoot.

The Academy is also expected to have a strong entry this year.

Darwen Camera Club members haven’t been among the best supporters in recent years, probably wanting to give the amateurs a chance, but last year they put in several entries and will probably do so again.

All the entries will be on display in the library exhibition room from May 30 to June 19.

Meanwhile, Geoff is busily trying to arrange for marker plaques to be dotted around town showing the routes of the Darwen Town Centre Trail and the Darwen Green Trail which goes up to Bold Venture and swings round through Whitehall.

If all goes to plan the town centre walk will be marked off with numbered purple plaques and the green trail with tangerine ones; only kidding – they’ll be green, of course.

Geoff reckons there will be about 24 in all if everyone involved gives their support.

With better weather on the way, why not call into the library, pick up one of the trail leaflets and head off. Oh, and take your camera with you.