BBC COUNTRYFILE NEEDS YOU!

"The annual Countryfile Photographic Competition is a national institution."

This year Countryfile wants your best photographs for this unique competition. The title is 'Best in Show' and there are 12 different categories you can enter. There is one snatch though.. all photographs must have the countryside or the natural world within them. 

The different categories are wildlife, insects and spiders, in all weathers, working animals, leisure and pleasure, the lighter side of country life, plant life, landscapes, water worlds, farm life, birds and country people. I know all of you won't struggle for inspiration with these themes so why not give it a go and find that perfect place for that winning snap!

The best image in each category will be judged by John Craven, Chris Packham and Jo Brand. The winning images will then feature on their own page in the 2012 Countryfile calendar which is sold in aid of BBC Children in Need. The programme viewers will also get a chance to vote for the 'Best in Show' and the lucky person will win a range of the latest photographic equipment to the value of £1,000. There is another prize too! The person who takes the judge's favourite photo will get to choose equipment to the value of £500.

Look at last years winner below.. her perfect shot was taken with a standard compact digital camera. You don't have to put in hours of effort or have the most expensive camera to win this! The competition is only open to amateur photographers like you but excludes entries that have previously won other competitions. The image must of been taken in the UK too. For more details go to countryfile and to look at last years winning entries click here.

Good luck guys.. ps. Let us know if you do enter so we can track your progress!