Wembury Marine Centre and the Plymouth group of the Marine Conservation Society are running a photo competition this month to help promote the weird and wonderful wildlife found off our coasts.

The competition is open to all and the theme is 'Marine Conservation - the good, the bad and the ugly'.

Entries should illustrate some aspect of British marine conservation.

This could include beautiful coastal landscapes worth conserving, people working in conservation, marine or beach pollution, marine related animal or plant species at risk.

There are four classes in the competition: Underwater Adult, Underwater Junior (under 16), Land Adult and Land Junior (under 16). The deadline for entries is 18 July 2008.

Cat Ridout, who runs Wembury Marine Centre, said: "I'm delighted to be involved with this photographic competition.

"I hope it will be the first of many and help to promote our marine environment which often gets overlooked.

"The competition is open to all and is not just for underwater pictures so next time you go for a walk on the beach, take your camera and get snapping!"

The competition will be judged by Peter Rowlands (underwater photographer), Neil Hope (deputy pcture editor, Western Morning News), Paul Naylor (underwater photographer) and a member of staff from Plymouth College of Art and Design.

The entries will be displayed at Wembury Marine Centre from Saturday 9 August to Sunday 17 August. Prizes will be awarded at an evening event at the Centre in August.

For more information about the competition and the prizes on offer, visit www.mcsplymouthlocalgroup.co.uk/photocompetition
or call 01752 862538.

The Centre is overseen by the Wembury partnership made up of Devon Wildlife Trust, Devon County Council, South Hams District Council and the National Trust. Last year the centre attracted more than 20,000 visitors.