AN AQUARIUM is to host the Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition when it goes on tour from the Natural History Museum, London.

From January 19-March 30, all visitors to the Blue Planet Aquarium, Little Stanney will have free access to the 105 images taken by professional and amateur photographers from around the world.

Deborah Sage, competition manager based at the Natural History Museum, said: “It took three months of judging to pick the final winning and commended images.

“Nature sets its own agenda and the judges were particularly impressed by the high standard of entries that demonstrated the artistry and skill involved in capturing these moments.”

Andy Hygate, park director at the Blue Planet Aquarium, said: “The images chosen are simply stunning and we are over the moon to have secured this prestigious tour for our visitors to enjoy.

“The exhibition is a real must-see for all ages, whether you have an interest in photography or not, and we hope it will inspire more people to enter the 2008 competition which launches in January.

“To mark the occasion, we are also launching our first ever underwater digital photography course in January so that visitors can learn to take pictures of the magical underwater world.”

For details of the course or about the aquarium, visit the website at www.blueplanetaquarium.com or call 0151 357 8804.