A COMPETITION focusing on Devon?s best-kept hedgerows is open to budding photographers this year, for the first time.

A new category for ?best photograph? has been introduced to the annual Devon Hedge Competition, which is run jointly by the Devon Hedge Group and the Devon Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG).

Entries are invited in three classes this year: Best newly laid hedge, best photograph of a Devon hedge and best hedgerow trees.

In previous years the competition has only been open to farmers and landowners, but it is hoped the new photographic category will encourage entries from a broader spectrum of people.

Tom Hynes, a member of the Devon Hedge Group, said: ?Because of the great interest in Devon?s hedges we wanted one class this year that everyone could enter.

?There are many beautiful Devon hedges and we want people to take photographs of what they feel makes these hedges so special.

?There is plenty of scope for all to enter this class, but please remember not to trespass over farm land in order to take photos.?

Barry Green, of Devon FWAG, said: ?Hedges are expensive to maintain but they are very valuable for wildlife and the landscape, as well as for controlling stock.

?The competition is a way of saying thankyou to those farmers who are looking after their hedges by the traditional steeping.

?The competition also offers the chance to win a prize for either establishing new hedgerow trees or for looking after some of the majestic hedgerow trees that grow throughout the county.?

In each class there is a first prize of £150 and a second prize of £75. The closing date for entries is March 31, and entry forms are available from Devon FWAG, Estuary House, Peninsula Park, Rydon Lane, Exeter, EX2 7XE.

Alternatively you can telephone 01392 352012 for further information and entry forms.