FOR the first time a prestigious wildlife photography exhibition has moved from its initial site in London’s Natural History Museum to – Ellesmere Port.

Capital of Culture supremo Phil Redmond was at Blue Planet Aquarium yesterday to open the Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition.

Mr Redmond was joined by Wirral-based wildlife photographer Graham Eaton, whose work is included in the display.

The Shell-sponsored event will be at the Blue Planet Aquarium until March 30 and features 105 of the most stunning images – from the 32,000 entries submitted by photographers around the world – which will be on display to all visitors.

Phil Redmond, deputy chairman 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.

“One of the great purposes of culture in modern society is to force us to look again at the world in which we live, and few things do this as well as such stunning wildlife photography.”

The north west aquarium centre was chosen in part because of its close work with The Marine Conservation Society and the popular tourist attraction is committed to raising awareness about ocean conservation through it’s Blue Watch Group.

Photographer Graham Eaton said the images on display showed the hard work and dedication of the wildlife photographers who had taken part and submitted their images.

He said: “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, and it’s a real honour to have one of my images selected for an award in such a prestigious competition.”

Shell Public Affairs Manager Edward Brady said: “It is an honour to have such an important exhibition come to Ellesmere Port, the home of our north west operations.

“Our Stanlow site is rich in flora and fauna and the exhibition compliments the development work we have been doing in that area over the last 15 years.”

Winning photographers will have their images showcased in an international exhibition that debuts at the Natural History Museum in October 2008.

Winning images are also featured in a special supplement to the November issue of BBC Wildlife Magazine.

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

liammurphy