STUNNING images of the natural world go on display when the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition arrives in Whitehaven today (Saturday, November 10).

The world-renowned exhibition, on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, opens at The Beacon Museum and features exceptional images which capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is a prestigious photography event, providing a global platform that showcases the natural world’s most astonishing sights.

From its launch in 1965 when it attracted 361 entries, today the competition receives over 45,000 entries from 95 countries.

This year’s 100 award-winning images will embark on an international tour, including its stop in Whitehaven, that will allow them to be seen by over a million people.

Elizabeth Kwasnik, director of the Beacon Museum, said: “This exhibition has a universal appeal that always draws a warm response from a local and wider audiences.

“The standard is world-class, as per usual, and the collection will appeal to visitors on various levels, be that technical, artistic or ecological.”

Jan English, head of touring exhibitions at the Natural History Museum, said: “Wildlife Photographer of the Year celebrates the very best nature photography, and it is consistently one of our most successful touring exhibitions, enjoyed by millions every year.

“These images tell thought-provoking stories about our planet that prompts us all to think differently about the natural world and the future we want to create.”

Wildlife Photographer of the Year runs from November 10 to January 13.

The exhibition is open to holders of the Copeland Pass, which is available to Copeland residents for free.

For more information, telephone 01946 592302 or visit www.thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk.