Captured: the cruel beauty of the natural world

PHOTOGRAPHIC competitions come and go, yet one or two stand out in this annual merry-go-round.

The BG Wildlife photographer of the year is one of those, ranking alongside the World Press and Nikon Press awards in the quality and diversity of images on show.

Open to amateur and professional photographers of any age, the competition aims to promote appreciation of the natural world and an awareness of environmental issues.

It has attracted a record number of entries in this, its 16th year - more than 21,000 images from 66 different countries. Of these, 143 selected contenders will form an impressive photographic exhibition that will open at the Natural History Museum on 23 October before touring venues across the United Kingdom and overseas.

Winners will be announced on 21 October.