THE challenge is on to get outside this summer and snap close-up shots of wildlife.

Dorset Wildlife Trust is encouraging young people to enter the Pat Dolbear digital photo competition, set up in September 2012 in memory of Ken Dolbear’s late wife.

The competition is open to anyone under 18 who has taken a wildlife picture on their phone or camera. Each month a panel of judges picks the best images based on creativity, quality and rarity of the creature.

Ken Dolbear said: “We set up the photograph competition in the hope it would stimulate the younger generation to look, see, photograph and understand the wonderful world of nature; particularly insects, which are the basis for all life on Earth.

“I hope the competition will encourage young people to go out and explore the natural world around them.”

Prizes of up to £20 in Amazon vouchers will be awarded to young photographers who demonstrate their wildlife photographic talent to the judges.

Send photos to photocomp@ dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk including name, age and when and where the photo was taken.