AN ANNUAL photographic competition is back with a twist this year as youngsters in the Leys are invited to take snaps all about the way things feel.

The Leys Young Photographer of the Year contest, hosted by the Oxford Academy, is in its fourth year and has changed theme from ‘landscapes’ to ‘textures and atmospheres’.

For the past three years, young people on the estate have photographed trees and rolling hills, bustling streets and cityscapes, using everything from camera phones to digital SLRs – and more are wanted to take part this year.

The project was set up by the Leys Youth Programme charity and was the brainchild of former director Richard Colbrook’s then-teenage son, Stephen.

Oxford Academy head of art Jaclyn Wiid said: “Stephen won a national competition and was inspired to launch this.

“The idea behind it is that we want kids engaging in the arts and creativity.

“Unfortunately, lots of the arts are being cut nationwide so this is a way to bring it to all schools in the community, not just those who do GCSE art. We are really passionate about it.”

From now until Saturday, June 18, youngsters aged five to 18 are invited to send in their best photos from around Oxford, based on either ‘textures’ or ‘atmospheres’.

Winners will be announced on Saturday, July 2. One overall winner will receive £200 in vouchers of their choice and eight category winners, divided by age and theme, will be handed £50 in vouchers each. Shortlisted photos win £20 in vouchers.

Mrs Wild said: “The winner from last year was absolutely fantastic.

“He went with his uncle to one of the towers by an RAF base and got a beautiful aerial shot. Another was black and white ice, taken at Oxford Ice Rink – the boy got on to the ice and the perspective was astonishing.

“My top tips would be to make sure the contrast stands out, always think about the focus and stop and think about what’s in the picture – unusual compositions tend to be more creative.”

The Leys Young Photographer of the Year competition is open to any youngsters from Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys, and students at The Oxford Academy.

For more information on the competition and how to enter, visit the website leysphoto.com.