THIS charming photo of a red squirrel, taken by Andy Nayler of Lindale near Grange-over-Sands, has won a wildlife photography competition run by Cumbria Wildlife Trust.

Mr Nayler's photo was judged overall winner of the trust’s calendar competition, and selected as the cover image for the 2018 calendar which celebrates Cumbria’s wildlife and wild places.

The shortlisted photos were taken by talented local enthusiasts and were selected from nearly 500 entries, all of which were of a very high standard. The other 11 winners’ photos will make up the rest of the calendar.

“I took the photo just after Christmas 2013 at Dodd Wood above Bassenthwaite Lake," said Mr Nayler. "I sat very still, despite the cold weather, waiting for the squirrels to turn up.

"The first arrived after about five minutes but I stayed for almost two hours. I got some great pictures that morning but my wife chose the one to enter into the competition. I can't wait to see the finished calendar with two of my photos included and I'm sure a few family members will be getting one for Christmas!”

Mr Nayler, who is a teacher in Ulverston, is out and about most weekends taking photos of the local wildlife and landscapes. He says otters are probably his favourite species but red squirrels and kingfishers come a close second.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s 2018 calendar can be ordered from Cumbria Wildlife Trust for £7.99. To order, go to www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk