FROM hunting dogs to crooked trees, meadows in bloom and sweet little songbirds – the first entries for the Oxford Mail's brand new Camera Club have been everything we hoped for and more.

Since launching last Friday, 49 of you have signed up for a chance to win a cash prize just for snapping the scenery as you're out and about.

Each week, we will be awarding £25 to the photograph judged best by our chief photographer Ed Nix from a shortlist of photos voted for by readers in an online poll.

Some of the best photos will also appear here in our weekly spread and be considered for a 2018 Oxford Mail calendar.

Managing Editor Sara Taylor said she had been delighted with the first results from the photographic experiment.

She went on: "We always knew that many of our readers were talented photographers but you still never know what's going to pop up in your inbox.

"In the very first week of our Camera Club we have had gorgeous photos showing Oxfordshire looking its springtime best.

"It's such a treat for us and, we hope, our readers. We can't wait to see what gems will be sent in next week.

"The only downside is they can't all be winners."

Our first Camera Club winner will be announced alongside their winning shot in tomorrow's paper.

Next week, Mr Nix has decided to up the stakes by giving our contest a theme – architecture.

He said: "Hopefully in the City of Dreaming Spires and the beautiful historic towns and villagers around it shouldn't be hard to find some nice architecture, so the challenge is to capture it in a way that makes a stand-out snap."

As our Camera Club picks up pace over the coming weeks and months, members will be able to come to regular meet-ups at the Oxford Mail offices where our award-winning photographic team can offer technical advice and top tips.

Joining us in this venture is photographic specialists Jessops, which has branches in Oxford, Didcot and Heyford Hill. They will be offering Oxford Mail Camera Club members discounts of up to 30 per cent on a range of products and services.

Our members will also automatically qualify for an Oxford Mail Loyalty Card which offers discounts at a range of shops, services and facilities across the county – from buy-one-get-one-free meal offers to cut-price health and beauty treatments.

To register to join the Oxford Mail Camera Club, email promotions@nqo.com to get your Loyalty Card pack.

Join our new Facebook page to chat with other members and share ideas and inspiration by searching Oxford Mail Camera Club or click here 

Once signed up, you can submit your photos each week to picturedesk@nqo.com with CAMERA CLUB in the subject line.

Don’t forget to leave your name, location, description of your photo including where and when it was taken, alongside a daytime number, should we need more information.

In the meantime, happy snapping!