A UK-wide photography competition aimed at highlighting the positive impact that different faiths can have on communities has been launched this week.

Faith through a lens, launched by Congregational & General, is open to all budding photographers whose images convey the importance of faith today within their local area.

The organisation said that the positive role that faith can play in uniting communities often went unrecognised and that the competition could uncover personal experiences of faith in the community.

The winning entries will receive high quality, professional photographic equipment to be donated to their chosen charity, faith or community group.

Images will be judged on their relevance, emotional connection, creativity and originality, visual impact and composition by a panel including the Rev Dr David Cornick, General Secretary of Churches Together in England, highly esteemed photographer Don McCullin, Chief Executive of Community Matters David Tyler and Paresh Solanki from Inter Faith Week.

Congregational’s marketing manager, Margaret Slater said: “Faith in the UK today is diverse and inclusive, and as photography has become so accessible, we felt that this competition would be an effective way of reaching out to people from all backgrounds, beliefs and regions across the country.

"We actively support communities and by donating photographic equipment to the winners’ nominated groups, we hope to encourage continued interaction.”

The competition will run until 31 October, and will be followed by an awards ceremony at Whitechapel Gallery, London, during this year’s Interfaith Week in November.

Iconic photographer and judging panellist Don McCullin, will present the winners with their prizes.

He commented: “Playing an active role in the community can really enrich lives, and Faith through a lens is about bringing people together and giving back to your local area. Donating photographic equipment is a great prize that will enable photography to continue becoming more accessible to all and I look forward to viewing the entries.”

Entries can be uploaded at www.faiththroughalens.co.uk or for more details on how to enter via post, please call 0113 243 1117.