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Teaching a child to ride a bicycle on the Tissington Trail, taking part in a Duke of Edinburgh Award challenge on the Peak District moors, practicing watercolour painting at Monsal Head – show people discovering the joys of national parks and you could win a national prize.

This year’s UK National Parks photo competition (April 14 to May 28) focuses on the young and the young at heart with the theme “Britain’s Breathing Spaces: Space to Grow.” Photographers of all skill levels are encouraged to take part.

The photograph must be taken within one of Britain’s 15 national parks.  UK National Parks partner outdoor gear specialists Merrell are offering a prize of top-quality footwear for the best picture.

Jim Dixon, chief executive of the Peak District National Park Authority, said: “When we think of the future and who will look after our National Park family in the decades and centuries ahead, we think of young people. We might think of the child catching his or her first fish, but there is, too, the grandparent who is teaching that child to fish and instilling a respect and love of our naturally beautiful landscapes.

“This year’s competition theme gives plenty of scope for some super images and I hope the Peak District’s talented photographers, both amateur and professional, are inspired to enter. A visit to the Photo Gallery inside Bakewell Visitor Centre, which shows magnificent work by a group of local professional photographers, is a good starting point for inspiration.”

For ideas on what to do in the Peak District National Park visit www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting which has information on events and activities and more.

More information on the photo competition, including terms and conditions, are at www.nationalparks.gov.uk/spacetogrow The deadline for uploading entries is May 28.

The photographs must be of people getting inspired or actively enjoying themselves within one of the 15 UK National Parks – Brecon Beacons, the Broads, Cairngorms, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Lake District, Loch Lomond & Trossachs, New Forest, Northumberland, North York Moors, Peak District, Pembrokeshire Coast, Snowdonia, South Downs or Yorkshire Dales.

The winner will receive his or her choice of footwear from outdoor expert Merrell. The competition is also supported by Natural Resources Wales, and Natural England.

The annual photo competition is part of a series of events culminating in National Parks Week, which takes place from July 28 to August 3.