A COMPETITION to capture the most evocative picture of one of the many bridges spanning the River Tamar was last week launched at the oldest bridge itself.

The Bridges of the Tamar Valley Art and Photographic Competition is being run by Tamar Valley Tourism Association.

Margaret Blake, chair of TAVATA, launched the event at Horsebridge, where the bridge was built in 1347.

She said: ?We are looking forward to seeing some beautiful images of the Tamar Valley.

?The rivers have played an important part in the lives of valley people, yet too often we simply drive over the bridges and don?t stop and have a look.

?We are hoping that people will enjoy the chance to explore their area to make an interesting photograph, painting or drawing.?

Competition entrants are being invited to submit a picture of any of the bridges, road or rail, along the Tamar, including the tidal reaches of the Tavy and Lynher, from Plymouth to north of Launceston.

The bridge must be in the Tamar Valley area of outstanding natural beauty, or cross the river in the area north of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The winning images will be used to promote the valley as a beautiful and unspoilt area and an exhibition will be held at the Festival of the Tamar Valley on June 22, 2003.

There will be two sections for art and photography, with three age groups in each ? age 5-11, 12-18 and over 18. First prize winners in the photography sections will win a camera, art competition winners will win art materials.

TAVATA hope schools will use the opportunity to involve children in the competition and that local art and photographic clubs and groups will enter too.

The competition will be managed by Tamar Valley Marketing, a project set up to promote the area.

Bob Barrett, of Tamar Valley Marketing, said: ?One of the project?s aims is to celebrate the distinctiveness of the area, and the competition will do exactly that.

?We have already had a huge response from people to the idea.?

Closing date for entries is May 31, 2003. For more information, call 01822 835874.