CRICKETER and keen photographer Mark Saggers has helped launch a competition to capture pictures of sports volunteers in action.

He was joined by shadow sports minister Hugh Robertson and Kent County Cricket Club chief executive Paul Millman at the launch of the Kent Sport Volunteers photographic competition at the St Lawrence cricket ground, Canterbury, on Tuesday.

The competition is being run to coincide with the Month of the Sports Volunteer to promote the good work achieved in sports clubs across the county, and is backed by the Kent Messenger Group.

KSV project co-ordinator Simon Harris said: "Volunteering plays a crucial role in the development of sport. It is a truly rewarding experience, not only benefiting the club or organisation, but also the individual.

"Volunteering can help develop skills for use at college, university or in the workplace."

The winning photographers will earn their sports club a share of £1,000 and a selection of the best pictures will be displayed at an exhibition.

The aim of the competition is to recognise volunteers within a local sports club or organisation, as well as the photographer. All prize money will therefore be awarded to the sports club or organisation featured in the photograph.

How to enter:

The judging panel is looking for photos that show the diverse nature of volunteering in sport, clearly convey the scene and show originality, creativity and strong composition.

Entrants must be associated or involved with the sports club/organisation featured in the photograph.

The photos must convey volunteering in sport, such as assisting a club with administration, coaching and catering or helping out an event.

Entrants must describe in no more than 30 words the scenario or subject of the photograph.

For an application form, visit www.kentsport.org/volunteers or contact Simon Harris on 01622 605058, email simon.harris@kent.gov.uk.

The closing date is October 23. The winners will be announced at the Kent Volunteer Awards on November 27