GWENT'S beautiful wildlife was showcased in this year's Gwent Wildlife Trust Photography Competition.

Gwent Wildlife Trust, which is a registered charity with more than 9,000 members, has been working to promote and conserve the county's wildlife for more than 50 years.

Ian Rappel, Gwent Wildlife Trust CEO, said: “The photography competition was an ideal opportunity to celebrate the diversity of wildlife in Gwent as well as the commitment of locals to being outside with nature and capturing those special moments.

"It is inspiring to know that people across the county, but youngsters in particular, are taking a delight in observing and capturing - on camera, of course - the beautiful wildlife we have in Gwent.

"It gives me hope that our wonderful landscapes will remain in good hands for generations to come.”

Rachael Daniels, membership and fundraising manager at Gwent Wildlife Trust, added: “We are always bowled over by the high quality of the photos submitted.

"The entries demonstrate a great deal of skill and, in many cases, huge amounts of patience. It shows how committed folk are to observing and recording the wonderful wildlife in Gwent.”

Pete Gill, from Pontypool, won the competition with a photograph of a sparrowhawk standing on the ground watching intently.

Mr Gill, who took part in a photography course run by Gwent Wildlife Trust last year, said: “I made sure to keep the eye in focus and used the rule of thirds to orientate my shot, just as we had learnt.”

The Under 16s category, which received entries from children as young as five, was won by Claudia Dobson with her picture of a dead tree.

The charity manages more than 25 nature reserves for people and wildlife, runs a far-reaching community education programme, stands up for threatened wildlife and works closely with schools, local landowners and community groups.

It works in partnership with many voluntary and statutory organisations and is a member of the UK-wide partnership of 47 independent Wildlife Trusts, as well as working closely with the five other Wildlife Trusts in Wales.