PICTURES taken by talented young photographers in the Stroud valleys could make their way onto the front of Ordnance Survey (OS) maps.

OS is appealing for junior outdoor enthusiasts, keen photographers and holiday makers to submit their best photos of the Cotswolds to OS Photofit.

The national mapping company, which is almost 200 years old, is keen to ensure that the cover for the Cotswolds Tour Map, has a winning image which captures the real beauty of the county.

To date only a handful of entries have been submitted to the junior competition.

Steve Backshall, TV presenter and outdoor enthusiast, who launched the junior competition said: “There’s still plenty of time to enter this money can’t buy competition, so don’t forget to take your camera out with you during the summer holidays.

“I would absolutely love to have one of my photos on the cover of an OS map, but unfortunately I can’t enter the junior competition. So if you are out and about in the Cotswolds then get snapping.

“The Cotswolds truly is a beautiful part of Great Britain and I am looking forward to the challenging job of judging all the amazing photos.”

Full details of the competition, including uploading instructions and full terms and conditions, can be found at os.uk/photofit. The closing date for the Junior competition is 31 August 2015.

OS have already had some stunning entries from the Cotswolds from the adult categories of OS Photofit.

These cover the coast and countryside and are starting to appear on the new-look OS Explorer Maps in retailers across the country.