Photographers across Dorset have just three weeks left to enter their best images of the sea in an annual photography competition run by national maritime charity, the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society.

The competition, which closes on Monday 26 August, encourages amateur and professional photographers to submit pictures that best encapsulate Britain’s enduring connection with the sea, to celebrate the nation’s proud maritime heritage and its reliance on seafarers. The winning photographer will win the prize of £500 photographic equipment vouchers.

The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, which this year celebrates its 180th anniversary, is on the lookout for images including ships and wrecks, seascapes, industry and leisure for its seventh annual photography competition, backed by headline supporter Ensign and the Fishmongers’ Company.

The competition’s prestigious judging panel includes Sunday Times Picture Editor, Ray Wells, Picture Editor of the i, Sophie Batterbury and the Chief Executive of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, Capt. Justin Osmond RN.

Captain Osmond said: “The UK has always had a close relationship with the sea and the beauty of this competition is that we get to see what it means to different people throughout the nation – whether it relates to work or recreation.

“The standard of entries we’ve seen this year has once again, been exceptional, with a vast number of entries from across the country, showcasing the true beauty of our coastlines and those that live and work along them.

“So, if you are an amateur or professional photographer, we are extremely enthusiastic to see all of your entries and hope the competition continues to grow, further increasing awareness of the critical role played by maritime professionals every single day.”

The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society provides financial assistance to fishermen, mariners and their dependants who are suffering hardship, whether due to accident, ill health, unemployment or in retirement after a life spent working at sea. Over the last year the Society has helped former seafarers, their widows and dependants in over 2,000 cases of need, distributing grants totalling over £1.4 million which made a huge difference to their quality of life.

To enter the competition, for full terms and conditions and for more information about the work of the Society, visit www.shipwreckedmariners.org.uk or the Society’s Facebook or Twitter pages www.facebook.com/shipwreckedmariners and @ShipwreckedSoc.