The Beacon Museum is showcasing images from the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.

The exhibition, now in its 60th year, will be on display in Whitehaven until January 26, 2025.

Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council's executive member for vibrant and healthy places, said: "We’re delighted to host this fascinating exhibition at The Beacon.

"A big thanks to the Natural History Museum for providing us with the opportunity.

"It features exceptional images that capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world.

"Using photography's unique emotive power, the exhibition will engage and inspire visitors.

"The images shine a light on stories and species."

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, launched in 1965, showcases the best photography talent from around the world.

This year, the competition received more than 59,000 entries from 117 countries and territories.

The winning images, including the Grand Title Award winners, were announced on October 8 during an awards show hosted by wildlife presenters Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin.

The winning images will be part of an international tour, expected to be seen by more than one million people.

The 61st Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition opened for entries on October 14 and will close on December 5.

Kathy Moran, chair of the judging panel, said: "In this selection you see species diversity, a range of behavior and conservation issues.

"These images represent the evolution of the competition through the years, from pure natural history to photography that fully embraces representation of the natural world - the beauty and the challenges.

"It is a powerful selection with which to kickstart a milestone anniversary."

Dr Doug Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum, said: "As we celebrate sixty years of Wildlife Photographer of the Year, we also celebrate the generations of visitors who have been inspired by the beauty and majesty of its images, and the millions of connections made with nature."

The Beacon Museum, owned and managed by Cumberland Council, will be open for the exhibition from 10am to 4.30pm, Tuesday to Saturday, and from 11am to 4pm on Sundays.

Tickets can be purchased from thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk, with prices starting at £7 for adults, £5.50 for concessions, £3.50 for children, and £17.50 for families.