This great initiative aims to excite children about their environment while educating them about photography. The 2010 competition attracted over 1 700 entries and is evidence of NG KIDS readers' love for capturing beautiful moments in time.

“Spur is once again proud and excited to be collaborating with the NG KIDS team on this exciting initiative! We are always delighted by the great response from our budding young photographers. We are looking forward to be inspired again by their creative interpretation of the entry themes!”

The competition is open to readers between the ages of six and fourteen in the following categories: ‘Animals’, ‘People’, ‘I Love South Africa’ and ‘That’s Funny’.

A panel of judges will select the twelve finalists and overall winner, who will be announced in the March 2012 issue of NG KIDS magazine. This year’s awesome prizes valued at over R100 000 include meal vouchers from Spur, cool cameras and binoculars from Nikon and subscriptions to NG KIDS. The overall winner receives a state-of-the-art Nikon camera, a holiday at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve courtesy of the Shamwari Group and is entered into the National Geographic International Photography Contest for Kids where they can win a trip to Washington.

“NG KIDS not only prides itself on nurturing and inspiring young talent, but also encourages creativity and awareness of the environment," says NG KIDS editor Fiona Thomson. "It is the ideal platform for the Young Photographers Competition to thrive in.”

Competition details can be found in the September issue on sale now, on the NG KIDS website www.ngkids.co.za, the Facebook page National Geographic Kids SA or on twitter @NGKids_SA. Nationwide school tours will be conducted from September to November to promote the competition. Entries open on 24 September and close on 15 November. Terms and conditions apply.