A PHOTOGRAPHY competition aimed at celebrating Southampton has been launched.

Organised by managers at top city-centre eatery, Artisan, the contest will showcase Southampton's finest photographers and ask them to show what the city means to them.

Launching over the weekend, snappers are invited to send in their favourite city photos to be judged by panels of experts.

With six categories there's plenty of scope for imagination. The categories are: people, landscape, Southampton selfie, urban/ street, juniors (aged 5-11 and 11-16) and digital creative.

Two winners will be chosen in each category and and an overall winner chosen by Daily Echo readers.

With prizes including vouchers for photography retailer London Camera Exchange and an Artisan hamper the winners will be chosen on July 28 and then displayed pride of place on Artisan's 'art wall' at their cafe in Guildhall Square.

Artisan's marketing manager Marc Jaytin said: "The competition has one theme and that is Southampton. A fantastic city steeped in history with an incredible mix of old and modern buildings and some lovely spacious parks, and all of that is just in the city centre.

"There is plenty of photographic inspiration across the city from Netley Abbey to the Western Docks, Southampton Common and beyond."

The competition launched on July 1 and ends on July 14.

The photos will be displayed on the Daily Echo website with readers voting on the overall winner from a carefully selected 'Top 10' via a public poll.

For terms and conditions please visit www.theartisan.org.uk/competition.