BASINGSTOKE Deane Rotary is seeking local amateur photographers of any age and ability to take part in a novel charity fundraising venture.

The ROTOPIX16 competition, proudly supported by The Gazette, is an all-digital photo and caption competition, open to all family members with both an open competition and a youth competition.

Photographers who wish to take part are urged to come up with three photos each fitting a theme of reflections, soft and cuddly and something red.

Each photo should be accompanied by a humours caption in an attempt to win over the judges.

The judging panel will be made up of director of fundraising for Ark Cancer Centre Charity Mark Jones, Jessops Academy trainer Carl Hare, John Hodge from the Overton Photography Club and The Gazette’s very own Mike Sims.

President of the Rotary Club, Alan Gibson said it had tried out the themes amongst members who all had a lot of fun coming up with captions.

Mr Gibson said: “We know asking people to create a digital photo with a short caption provides plenty of scope for people’s imagination, creativity and humour to run wild. 

“Thanks to generous prizes provided by Jessops Academy in Basingstoke, the costs of running this event are minimal.

“So all donations received will go to charities supported by The Rotary Club of Basingstoke Deane, including the Ark Cancer Centre Charity.”

There is no charge to enter but entrants are encouraged to make a small donation to charity.

Mark Jones added: “Rotary has been a huge supporter of the Ark project since the start, and we are delighted to be nominated as a beneficiary of this novel fundraising event.

“It looks a lot of fun, and I am really looking forward to the challenge of judging the entries.”

The Gazette’s Mike Sims said: “We’re delighted to be supporting such a fun and creative competition, I can’t wait to see the submissions.”

There will be an exhibition of all the entrants held at the Test Valley Golf Club, in Overton on October 4, where the winners will be announced. For more details and to enter visit rcbd.org.uk or email rotopix16@gmail.com. Closing date for entries is September 2.