TALENTED photographers are being asked to submit their best photos for a competition that seeks to find the best in the country.

The inaugural Through The Lens competition launched by the Millennium Hotel group in March has already received hundreds of submissions.

The winner of the competition is set to bag themselves £5,000 of top-of-the-range camera as well as a full package of equipment.

The group is hoping to receive 1,000 submissions by the time the competition closes in October.

The competition was launched to celebrate the many ways that Britain is beautiful.

Entrants are being asked to think outside the box when it comes to taking their photos.

The judges aren't necessarily looking for a beautiful picture of the cliffs of Dover, or a tranquil shot of Windermere at dawn.

The judges are not just looking for traditional landscapes, but shots that portray the unique character of the UK. They said: "Whether it’s a vision of Newcastle nightlife, a vast and hilly landscape or a gaggle of teenagers boarding a flight to Malia, we’re looking to receive a range of entries that are personal to the photographer."

The competition is running nationwide, and entrants can submit up to three photos from their area.

Entrants from the north west will be judged by one of the UK's most prominent photographers, Matthew Seed.

Mr Seed has been in the business for 25 years, and has worked with global brands such as Longines, BooTea and Gieves and Hawkes.

A spokesman from Millenium Hotels and Resorts spoke of their excitement at launching this competition.

They said: "In this photography competition we aim to celebrate our passion for how diverse and beautiful Britain is.

"We're keen to both nurture photography talent and to recognise the eclectic and personal nature of what the UK means to the people that live in it."

"Over the years we’ve produced some fantastic content celebrating the UK, including infographics and city guides produced by locals. "We also keep our customers and potential customers up to date with upcoming events and how best to enjoy them. Now, in Through The Lens, we’re taking things to the next level by pairing the photography talent of our entrants with our ongoing fascination with Britain’s beauty."

After the competition closes in November, one winner and one runner up will be invited down to London for an awards ceremony.

The works will be displayed at a gala dinner at the Chelsea Harbour Hotel before the overall winner is announced.

Anyone who wants to submit their work can do so at http://whatson.millenniumhotels.co.uk/through-the-lens/