Free animal photography exhibition at Paignton Zoo

Local photographers are putting on a free show for animal lovers at Paignton Zoo to help banish the winter blues.

Around 100 high quality images taken by members of the Newton Abbot Photography Club will be on display in the Zoo's foyer throughout most of January. The exhibition - part of the club's 70th anniversary celebrations - will be opened by nationally renowned photographer David Clapp.

The exhibition is made up of wildlife and nature photos taken by club members both in this country and around the world. Paignton Zoo spokesperson Phil Knowling said: "The exhibition highlights local talent – and we hope it will inspire people to bring their cameras to Paignton Zoo and Living Coasts!"

There will be a vote and win competition during the exhibition. Visitors can select their favourite image and the competition winner will receive a mounted print of that image, two tickets for the zoo and an animal adoption gift pack.

Chris Brown, from the photography club, said: "It is a fitting venue for the exhibition, as many pictures were taken at Paignton Zoo, including Mandrill, Gorilla Portrait 2 and Elephant Eye, all by Christina Burton, and Scarlet Ibis, Baboons, Eyes and Gorilla, taken by Chris Marsham. Mandrill has done well in club competitions, taking a gold award and being named best print in an interclub battle."

The exhibition, which is free to view, runs from Saturday, January 7, until Sunday, January 22, 2012. For more information about Newton Abbot Photography Club, go to their web site, http://www.newtonabbot-photoclub.org.uk.

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a registered charity. For more information go to www.paigntonzoo.org.uk or ring 0844 474 2222.