WITH summer drawing to a close, the autumn light could prove just the thing to help keen photographers take a stunning snap, and be in with the chance of winning £1,000 in the Royal Horticultural Society's annual Photographic Competition.

The 13th annual RHS Photographic Competition, launched by Rosemoor Gardens near Torrington in 1997, is open for entries until October 30.

Tim Sandal, renowned garden photographer and judge for the RHS Photographic Competition, said: 'To get those emotive shots of the great outdoors, you need the early morning light when it's at its purest.

'September and October are ideal months for this, especially as the changing season brings with it the vivid colours of the leaves and trees. The results can be absolutely stunning, making an early alarm call all the more worth while.'

Adult amateur and professional photographers alike are invited to submit pictures into one of six categories: plant portrait, plant close-up, garden view, wildlife in the garden, people in the garden and garden edibles.

Children and young people can either enter the budding photographer or in the garden category.

For the second year running, the photo that best captures the essence of a greeting card image will be awarded the title of RHS Medici Photographer of the Year 2009.

For application forms please email [email protected]">[email protected]