A new photography competition is aiming to shine a light on Blackburn with Darwen.

Launched by Blackburn Scouts the ‘Beautiful Blackburn with Darwen’ contest is open to entries in two categories – under 18s and over 18s.

Comedian Tez Ilyas; Blackburn Rovers striker Sam Gallagher, photographer Shafiq Khan; Blackburn MP Kate Hollern and Director of BwD Council Sayyed Osman will help judge the categories. They will be looking for pictures 'that best show off the town’s beauty' with a prize for the winner of each category.

Blackburn with Darwen’s Executive Member for Wellbeing, Councillor Damian Talbot said: “What a fantastic way to start the New Year, sharing pictures from our beautiful borough while getting out and about for daily covid-safe exercise.”

Blackburn Scouts chairman Stuart Parker said: “We are delighted to launch the Beautiful Blackburn with Darwen photo competition. We hope people right across our community will enter images of the beauty of the borough, as seen through their eyes. We would like to thank our brilliant judges who are real advocates for BwD.”

Photographs must be taken between 1 January and 31 March 2021 and a maximum of three entries are allowed per person. Entrants are asked to abide by current Covid restrictions while out snapping. Pictures can be of anything which entrants believe captures the beauty of Blackburn with Darwen through their own eyes.

Blackburn with Darwen’s Director Sayyed Osman and contest judge said: “I am delighted to be asked to be a judge for this competition. I am anticipating it's going to capture the beautiful spirit of the place and our people.”

Blackburn Rovers have sponsored the first prize for the over 18 category which is a Media Matchday Experience for a Rovers game at Ewood Park. The under 18 prize is an Adventure Experience for 10 people donated by Canalside Activity Centre in Blackburn.

The competition closes on 31 March 2021 with judging taking place in April 2021. All images will be shared on social media.

You can submit your entries to blackburnscouts@gmail.com with your name, age, with date and location of your photograph.

Beautiful Blackburn with Darwen is supported by Blackburn Rovers Football Club, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and run by volunteers from Blackburn Scouts.