Amateur and professional photographers of all ages are being urged to get snappy for an annual photographic competition.

The team behind this year’s Coast Path Photographic Competition has announced award-winning landscape and travel photographer David Noton as professional judge for the contest, which invites images of the South West Coast Path.

The South West Coast Path is hailed as one of the world’s greatest walks and the competition aims to show off its beauty through stunning photographs taken by those enjoying the route.

Last year keen amateur photographer Peter Edwards beat hundreds of entrants to the first prize and this year’s 12 winning photographs will feature in the South West Coast Path 2016 calendar with the first prize winner taking the front page. Each copy sold raises a minimum of 25p for the South West Coast Path Association for path improvements.

“Without a doubt some of my most treasured images have been created on this coast, each associated with the memorable experience of being there when the light and nature’s elements combine in a moment of profound uplifting beauty,” said David, who writes regular columns for Practical Photographer and Outdoor Photography.

“And so to be asked to judge the South West Coast Path Photographic Competition is a real honour. I can’t wait to see the entries.”

During his career David has travelled to just about every corner of the globe taking photographs. He is no stranger to photographic competitions either, having won awards in the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition on a number of occasions.

His recent work has included a range of critically acclaimed photographic books, films, workshops and road shows including his first book Waiting for the Light in 2008 which launched at a London exhibition attracting over 27,000 visitors, followed up with his ground breaking film Chasing the Light.

He added: “As a travelling professional photographer for almost 30 years, it’s been a rollercoaster of global adventure which has illustrated just how lucky we are to have such a jewel as the South West Coast Path on our doorstep.

“I never tire of walking the Coast Path which I find endlessly photographically inspiring.”

Entries to the Coast Path Photographic Competition close on December 31. Prizes include a one night luxury spa break at Carbis Bay Hotel & Spa, Cornwall and a gift voucher towards products from David Noton’s website.

Full details about how to enter your images and terms and conditions, as well as a slide show of last year’s winning entries are available via the website at southwestcoastpath. com/photo-competition To find out more about David’s work visit davidnoton.com