GAZETTE readers are being given the chance to show off their photography skills by joining the new Basingstoke Gazette Camera Club.

The club, launched on Thursday last week, is to give local photographers the chance to have their images published and potentially seen by tens of thousands of people online and in print.

There will be monthly competitions, with a £25 prize for the winner, and the chance to get tips and advice from professional photographers.

Gazette head of news Dan Whiteway said: "We are sent excellent pictures from amateur photographers across the borough every month so I’m delighted that we can create this forum for people to show off their images."

You can join our dedicated Facebook group where members can share their best snaps and tips, get feedback and ask for advice.

Our competition will have a different theme each month, and we'd love you to suggest some ideas for what you'd like to see as well.

You can send us scenic pictures, weather shots or wildlife images - even snaps of your pets - all we ask is that they are specific to our circulation area.

We will run regular spreads of members' work in the paper, with full credits in the captions.

All we ask is that you provide a brief description of the picture, plus where and when it was taken.

There will even be special prizes for pictures from events taking place across Basingstoke and Deane.

To join the club, search for 'Basingstoke Gazette Camera Club' on Facebook.