SOUTH Craven library users are now able to enjoy colourful reminders of last year’s glorious summer to banish the winter blues.

Photographers from across North Yorkshire were invited to capture the beauty and diversity of the region in a competition organised by the county council’s library service.

Now the winning images adorn a limited-edition set of library membership cards.

More than 100 people entered the contest.

And a total of 350 images were submitted, covering all aspects of the county from coast to moors, rolling farmland, dramatic landscapes, historic towns and villages, wildlife and nature.

County Councillor Greg White, executive member for libraries, said the standard of entries was high.

He added: “The judging panel deliberated long and hard to whittle the entries down to a final shortlist of ten, before agreeing on six winning images.”

The winners were Keith Harris, with Kilburn White Horse; Colin Hurworth, with Near Bolton Abbey; Gary Marriner, with Homeward Bound, Whitby; Roger Nelson, with Moorland Swaledale Ewe; Melanie Riley, with Sunset through Knaresborough Viaduct, and Tracey Roberts, with Filey Beach.

The limited-edition cards are available to anyone joining South Craven Community Library, in Main Street, Cross Hills, and other libraries across North Yorkshire.

Existing members can request the cards, but there will be a small charge.

South Craven Community Library is volunteer-run, in partnership with the county council.

In addition to traditional books, members can also borrow talking, large print and e-books, and DVDs can be ordered.

There is also free Wi-fi, family history resources, local studies and computer and internet access.

Several activities and sessions are held there, including a book club, IT support, knit and natter, story times for under-fives and a job club.

A home library service operates fortnightly, serving Cross Hills and the surrounding area.

The library is open from 2pm to 7pm on Mondays, 10am to 1pm on Wednesdays, 2pm to 5pm on Thursdays, 2pm to 7pm on Fridays and 10am to noon on Saturdays.

For more details, visit sccls.org.uk.