RESIDENTS in Thurrock who can't get out and about have been offered the opportunity to win a prize by featuring the arrival of spring right on their doorstep.

The Land of the Fanns Landscape Partnership Scheme is an ambitious five year programme comprised of 26 individual projects.

The scheme is aimed at engaging the local communities of Havering, Barking & Dagenham, Thurrock, Brentwood and south-west Essex with the natural, geological, archaeological and built heritage of their local area.

However, because of coronavirus - people can't really get out and about and take advantage of the local rural landscapes.

So the team behind the project have brought their usual Spring photography competition much closer to home, saying it's dust off the camera or pick up the mobile and take some photographs that reflect the changing season in the world around you.

Spring is making an appearance all across the region so the challenge is to capture the magic and delight of the natural world on your doorstep.

Taking Spring as the theme for photos, the Land of the Fanns photography exhibition is open to everyone, young or old, experienced photographer or novice.

A spokesperson said: "In this time of restricted movement, it is more important than ever to value and appreciate what is around us.

"Flowers can grow in pots, cracks in brickwork or even guttering, birds are busy collecting things for nests from gardens and tress are bursting into bud in streets across the counties.

"What's to be seen from the kitchen window or the bedroom? Is it urban or rural? Where will the winning images come from?"

There are three prizes of vouchers to be won: 1st prize £80, 2nd prize £50, 3rd prize £20).