Competition to capture churches in Norfolk on camera is launched

From tiny parish churches to the great Norwich Cathedral, these places of worship help to shape the landscape in communities across Norfolk.

And now the Diocese of Norwich has launched a photography competition with the theme Capturing the Church in Norfolk.

People of all ages are being encouraged to put their creative photography skills to the test for the contest. Photos can be taken inside churches, outside churches or even not by a church building at all. The overall aim is for entrants to show how the local church, whether as a building or a group of people, is serving their community.

Gordon Darley, marketing and communications manager for the diocese, said: 'This is a competition for everybody, old and young, whether they go to church or not, to capture the essence of what an active church actually looks like. We want to highlight, encourage and celebrate how the church acts out God's love and perhaps challenge people's perception of what church really is.'

There are two categories - 16 and under and 17 and over - and the best six photos from each age category will then feature in an exhibition which will tour Norfolk.

Starting at the Royal Norfolk Show at the end of June, the photos will be shown at King's Lynn Minster, Cromer Parish Church, Great Yarmouth Minster, St Stephen's Church in Norwich and Wymondham Abbey. At each location people will be able to vote for their favourite photograph, and the winners will be decided by the public vote and a panel of judges. The competition's judges include: the Rt Rev Graham James, Bishop of Norwich; EDP and Evening News photographer Antony Kelly; freelance photographer James Bass; Matthew McDade, the diocese's executive officer for church buildings; Gordon Darley, the diocese's marketing and communications manager; and Tim Rogers, the diocese's digital communications officer.

To take part, people should upload their photos onto the competition page of the Diocese of Norwich website - www.dioceseofnorwich.org/photos - by May 31.

The winners from each category will be announced at an award ceremony at Wymondham Abbey at the end of Norfolk Open Churches Week on August 13.