Charge up those batteries and get that lens in focus - the National Trust has launched 'A Year in the Life of Stackpole' - a photo competition that aims to capture the Stackpole estate in all its moods.

The year-long competition has come about as a result of a very successful open day held at the Stackpole Visitor Centre last month. More than 300 visitors attended the event which gave people of all ages a flavour of what makes the Stackpole estate so special.

Fluttering flags, jaunty fiddle music and wafts of home-cooked food welcomed visitors who enjoyed exploring the Stackpole Centre, five miles south of Pembroke, which includes an outdoor learning centre, 200-seat theatre, a garden studio and many other facilities, as well as the wider estate.

Heritage walks and talks; otter spotting and pond dipping, environmental art, theatre and storytelling - there was truly something for everyone as can be seen in the accompanying pictures.

The event included the launch of the £3m 'Stackpole Rediscovered' project which is giving all the facilities a facelift and providing better signage and interpretation around the estate, as well as improving woodland and encouraging more biodiversity. The project is supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the European Union's 2007-2013 Convergence programmes for West Wales and the Valleys.

Visitors were encouraged to take a photo of a favourite feature of Stackpole on the day. Sheila McKehon, of Pentlepoir, was a winner with her picture of a teasel taken at Stackpole Quay (pictured).

Her prize was a free lunch at the Boat House tea room which is offering a hearty menu over the winter months on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 11 am and 4 pm.

The Boat House is also offering a tasty Christmas menu.

The selection of photos prompted the Stackpole team to introduce the year-long competition. In addition to awarding prizes for the best pictures in different age categories, 12 of the images will be chosen for a calendar which will be published in time for the completion of the Stackpole Rediscovered project in 2012.

So start snapping! Details of entry submission will be published at a later date.