RESIDENTS in Redditch have scooped the top prize in an annual photography competition.

Dave Merry and Brian Bull from Redditch beat more than 250 photographers to win a coveted place in Worcestershire Wildlife Trust’s calendar, while winning photos include Upton Warren Wetland Reserve in Wychbold and Piper’s Hill and Dodderhill Common (also known as Hanbury Woods).

Dave won with a picture of glistening inkcaps taken at Nunnery Wood in Worcester, while Brian won his close up picture of a hornet nest at Arrow Valley Country Park.

More than 250 photos of wildlife and wild places across Worcestershire were entered into this year’s competition.

Wendy Carter, organiser of the competition for the Trust, said: “We’re so lucky in Worcestershire not just to live in a beautiful place but to also have so many fantastic photographers who capture our wildlife and wild places.

“Judging this annual competition seems to get harder each year but it really does engage all our staff – everyone gets to vote on the long-list before external judges Jason Curtis and Pete Walkden help to choose the winners."

The 12 winning images will be showcased as full A4 pages in the conservation charity’s 2017 calendar, available to buy from the trust’s offices or online shop now costing £7.

All proceeds will directly benefit the work of the trust to protect Worcestershire’s wildlife and wild places.