LANCASHIRE residents are urged to join the search for the best photograph of the British landscape and rail network.

Entries are now open for the Take A View - Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards 2012, which has been sponsored by Network Rail.

Amateur and professional photographers can both take part in the competition which has a top prize of £10,000.

The competition, now in its sixth year, is the idea of renowned landscape photographer, Charlie Waite, and the best images will be displayed at an exhibition at the National Theatre in London.

Mr Waite said: “Judging this award is a great pleasure for me as Britain’s railways have always been close to my heart.

“Network Rail looks after an amazing 20,000 miles of track and owns over 2,500 stations and so the photographic opportunities are endless. I will be looking for an image that captures the spirit of today’s railways, be they in the busiest cities or most remote countryside.

"Details, urban views and sweeping tracks are all eligible and I am hoping to see many photographs that inspire.”

This year’s winner will receive a prize of a weekend break. They will also have the option of joining a flight in Network Rail’s helicopter, which has onboard infrared technology to monitor thousands of miles of track.

Alternatively, they can ride on Network Rail’s New Measurement Train, a converted high speed train that is used to capture real time geotechnical track data, clocking up 80,000 miles a year.