A HARTLEBURY snapper and a Bewdley photographer were among the winners of the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust calendar competition.

Entrants were asked to submit images reflecting the diversity of countryside and wildlife around the county.

Justin Heath, of Bewdley, submitted an image of Blackstone Farm between Kidderminster and Bewdley and Mark Hancox, of Hartlebury, photographed a kestrel at Upton Warren.

Winning photographs will feature in the trust’s 2011 calendar, on sale later this month. Winners will each receive a copy of the calendar.

Wendy Carter, communications manager for the trust, explained that about 170 photographs were entered into the competition.

She said: “We couldn’t believe how many people entered the competition and were really impressed with the incredibly high standard of photographs we received.

“Choosing just 12 was so difficult we have even made room in the calendar for some of the runners up.”

She added: “It’s great that many of us throughout our county enjoy our beautiful countryside so much.

“Our calendar will hopefully inspire even more people to get out and make the most of Worcestershire’s natural environment.”

Calendars are currently in production and will be available to buy at Bluebell Sunday at the Knapp and Papermill on Sunday, April 25 and Tiddesley Wood Open Day on Sunday, May 2.

Alternatively they can be bought from Lower Smite Farm in person or from Laura on 01905 754919 or laura@worcestershirewildlifetrust.org from late April.

They will cost £6.50 each and all proceeds will directly benefit the conservation of Worcestershire’s wildlife and wild places.