CAPITAL of Culture boss Phil Redmond was the guest of honour as the prestigious Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition opened at Blue Planet Aquarium in Ellesmere Port.

The culture chief joined Wirral-based wildlife photographer Graham Eaton, whose work is included in the display, and Stanlow’s Shell public relations manager Edward Brady to perform the official opening.

The Shell-sponsored event will be at the Blue Planet Aquarium until March 30.

It features 105 of the most stunning images – chosen from 32,000 entries submitted by photographers around the world – which will be on display to all visitors.

Phil Redmond, deputy chair of Liverpool Culture Company, said: “In a year in which this region celebrates its cultural heritage, it is fantastic to see some of the world’s best photography on display in the North West.

“It is very important to have an exhibition like this. Bringing the world’s culture to the region is as important a part of 2008 as bringing the region’s culture to the World.”

Graham Eaton added: “These photos may show nature in one split second in time, but every single image was probably months, if not years, in the planning.

“The quality of photography which has gone into capturing some of these images is truly remarkable.’

Shell public affairs manager Edward Brady said: “Our Stanlow site is rich in flora and fauna and the exhibition complements the development work that we have been doing in that area over the last 15 years.”