AMATEUR photographers are reminded that the time has come to start compiling their best shots of Darwen for this year's Darwen Civic Society photographic exhibition.

'Darwen's Best Features' is the subject of the 17th annual competition organised by the society.

People will be allowed to photograph landmarks such as Darwen Tower and India Mill chimney but have been asked to include them as part of a wider scene and not on their own. Entries can be in colour or black and white and must be prints not slides.

There will be £30, £25 and £20 prizes for the senior section, which is for people over 16, and in the two junior sections, for people up to 11 years and between 11 and 16 years, there are prizes of £20, £15 and £12.

One special prize per school will also be given for children who undertake school projects for the exhibition.

The winning prints and a selection of entries will go on display in Darwen Library exhibition room from June 19 to July 9. Prizes will be presented by the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen on June 23 and winners will be notified a few days before.

Entry to the competition is free and prints should be sent or delivered to Darwen Library reception desk by June 14, with the name, age, address and telephone number fixed to the back of the print. Entry forms are available from the reception desks at Darwen Library and Darwen Town Hall.