The fourth annual Postcards from the Park photography competition has been launched by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) and GreenSpace.

The national contest is designed to encourage people to celebrate local parks across the UK and help promote the joint-funded Parks for People investment programme to upgrade open spaces. Members of the public are invited to submit their entries before the closing date of 1 August, with categories including wildlife, heritage and people at play.

HLF head of parks Drew Bennellick said: "Many people don't realise how much continued investment it takes to ensure parks are kept in good condition, which is why HLF and BIG are dedicated to supporting them with over £600m worth of investment to date. "This competition aims to get everyone involved and encourage people to value what their park means to them in a fun and imaginative way."

Image: Last year's wildlife winner by David Ormerod