CAMERAS at the ready – the 2013 Jurassic Coast Award is upon us.

The contest celebrates photography of the World Heritage Site and is open to all ages and abilities.

It allows competitors the opportunity to capture the unique and breathtaking visual appeal of the coastline.

The judging panel includes Ben Osborne, who is wildlife photographer of the year 2007, and landscape photographer Joe Cornish.

Ben said: “The Jurassic Coast is a truly inspiring coastline and I have been privileged to explore it through my recent Jurassic Journey Project.

“I am very excited about this competition; which will hopefully encourage people to celebrate this internationally-important 95 miles of coast.

“We are looking for entries which illustrate our themes in an innovative and original way. Through the eye of a judge, I will be looking for imaginative and creative pieces.”

The competition, which is free to enter, is split into three categories: my special place, point in time and close up coast. First prize is £500, with a £250 first prize for the youth category.

The contest is sponsored by the Fine Family Foundation and endorsed by the Jurassic Coast Trust (JCT).

JCT chairman James Weld said: “This competition is a great way to share your personal insight into this very special landscape, and to find out about the work of the Jurassic Coast Trust.

“All entrants will also be invited to become a Friend of the Jurassic Coast.”

All images submitted must have been taken in the last five years, with all entries being submitted by February 25, 2013.

Sam Rose, world heritage team leader said: “The World Heritage Site is a very popular subject for many photographers.

“I’m looking forward to seeing stunning images of that ‘different view’ of our coast. I’m just disappointed that I can’t enter myself.”

The competition is supported by Dorset Wildlife Trust with winning entries to be displayed at the Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre during Easter 2013.

Dorset Countryside will host the exhibition in the Fine Foundation Gallery, Durlston Castle, in May 2013. Visit jurassiccoast.org/award

How to enter

ENTRIES should be sent as prints (maximum of five entries each category), up to A4 size, with the title of image, category of entry, (‘youth’ if under 16), name, address, telephone number and email address on the reverse to: Jurassic Coast Award PO Box 7755 Dorchester DT1 1GQ