Leading veterinary charity launches competition.

Leading veterinary charity, PDSA, has launched its UK-wide search for talented young ‘paw-parazzis' and is encouraging photo enthusiasts to enter its Young PDSA Photographer Awards.

The competition is open to all aspiring David Baileys aged 18 and under. It consists of three categories: Best animal photo - 12 and under; Best animal photo - 13 to 18; and Best pet portrait - 18 and under. And like any good paparazzi, the winning image will be featured on the front page of the charity's children's magazine, Animal Antics.

Young PDSA Executive, Vicki Craighill, says: "PDSA is looking for talented photographers with an eye for a good shot to enter their animal pictures into the 2008 Young PDSA Photographer Awards."

"So, if your dog is a first-class poser, your cat has star quality, or your gerbil gravitates towards the lens, then why not enter today! It's the ‘purr-fect' opportunity to show off your stills skills, while being in with the chance of getting your ‘paws' on a digital camera, framed copy of the winning photo, and a PDSA Pet Protectors goody bag. Plus, your photo may end up on the front cover of Animal Antics, a magazine read avidly every two months by thousands of children across the UK."

For an annual fee of £8, members of the PDSA Pet Protectors club receive a personalised membership card, a birthday card, a badge, a free gift and a copy of the fantastic club magazine, Animal Antics, six times a year.

The deadline for the competition, which is free to enter, is 30 September 2008. For more information about how to submit a photo, plus some handy hints on how to improve your technique, please visit www.youngpdsa.org.uk or call freephone 0800 019 9144.