PHOTOGRAPHERS are being urged to look to the stars in the coming Dark Skies Festival on the North York Moors.

Those who snap a great image during the event, from February 9 to 25, have the chance of winning a range of outdoor kit in a competition launched by the National Park.

Astro-photographer Steve Bell, of Helmsley, will judge the best of the images that need to have been taken in a location within the park, the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or gateway towns such as Pickering, Helmsley and Whitby.

The winner from each category – adults and under 16s – will receive a jacket, daypack, beanie and gloves courtesy of Columbia Sportswear.

The competition is open to amateurs and professionals who must share their image on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and include both the hashtag #darkskiesphoto and @northyorkmoors

Marketing executive Laura Barr said: "We’re looking for images that capture the essence of the Festival – not just the beautiful night skies but also the sheer fun and ‘wow’ factor of our celestial playground."

Visit northyorkmoors.org.uk/darkskiesfestival