The search is on to find the best picture of a church in action in Norfolk.

Eastern Daily Press: The Cross of Pain and Remembrance at Mulbarton. Picture: Terence BurchellThe Cross of Pain and Remembrance at Mulbarton. Picture: Terence Burchell (Image: Terence Burchell)

A photography competition was launched by the Diocese of Norwich and now the 12 finalists have been announced.

The overall aim of the competition is for entrants to show how the church is serving their community.

Entrants were able to test their creative photography skills by capturing what they thought the church in action was.

Gordon Darley said: 'We wanted to highlight what church really is. The competition was for everybody whether they go to church or not.'

Eastern Daily Press: The Cross of Pain and Remembrance at Mulbarton. Picture: Terence BurchellThe Cross of Pain and Remembrance at Mulbarton. Picture: Terence Burchell (Image: Terence Burchell)

Mr Darley added: 'To capture the essence of what an active church actually looks like.'

The chosen photos that were short listed included a local parent and toddler group, fetes, coffee mornings and services.

The 12 photos will be touring Norfolk where they will be judged by the public and also by a panel of judges including professional photographers.

The Bishop of Norwich, Rt Revd Graham James will also be judging the photos.

Eastern Daily Press: The Cross of Pain and Remembrance at Mulbarton. Picture: Terence BurchellThe Cross of Pain and Remembrance at Mulbarton. Picture: Terence Burchell (Image: Terence Burchell)

The tour around the county started at the Royal Norfolk Show last week and the tour will make week-long stops at five churches.

It is stopping by King's Lynn Minster until Friday July 7. Cromer Parish Council from Friday July 7 to Friday July 14. Great Yarmouth Minster from Friday July 14-Friday July 21. St Stephen's Norwich from Friday July 21 to Friday July 28 and Wymondham Abbey from Friday July 28 to Friday August 13.

You can vote for your favourite picture at any of the tour locations or online at www.dioceseofnorwich.org/photos.

Prizes will be given to the photos in first and second place at a special award ceremony at Wymondham Abbey at the end of the Open Churches Week.

Eastern Daily Press: The Cross of Pain and Remembrance at Mulbarton. Picture: Terence BurchellThe Cross of Pain and Remembrance at Mulbarton. Picture: Terence Burchell (Image: Terence Burchell)

The winning photographer in each category will receive a trophy.

Eastern Daily Press: The Cross of Pain and Remembrance at Mulbarton. Picture: Terence BurchellThe Cross of Pain and Remembrance at Mulbarton. Picture: Terence Burchell (Image: Terence Burchell)

Eastern Daily Press: The Cross of Pain and Remembrance at Mulbarton. Picture: Terence BurchellThe Cross of Pain and Remembrance at Mulbarton. Picture: Terence Burchell (Image: Terence Burchell)

Eastern Daily Press: The Cross of Pain and Remembrance at Mulbarton. Picture: Terence BurchellThe Cross of Pain and Remembrance at Mulbarton. Picture: Terence Burchell (Image: Terence Burchell)

Eastern Daily Press: The Cross of Pain and Remembrance at Mulbarton. Picture: Terence BurchellThe Cross of Pain and Remembrance at Mulbarton. Picture: Terence Burchell (Image: Terence Burchell)

Eastern Daily Press: The Cross of Pain and Remembrance at Mulbarton. Picture: Terence BurchellThe Cross of Pain and Remembrance at Mulbarton. Picture: Terence Burchell (Image: Terence Burchell)

Eastern Daily Press: The Cross of Pain and Remembrance at Mulbarton. Picture: Terence BurchellThe Cross of Pain and Remembrance at Mulbarton. Picture: Terence Burchell (Image: Terence Burchell)

Eastern Daily Press: The Cross of Pain and Remembrance at Mulbarton. Picture: Terence BurchellThe Cross of Pain and Remembrance at Mulbarton. Picture: Terence Burchell (Image: Terence Burchell)