HUDDERSFIELD’S Queensgate Market Hall has been invaded by wildlife.

But before people start calling the pest exterminators, these creatures are things of beauty.

The insects and birds in the hall are giant photos – the work of talented local amateur photographers.

A wide range of images from local amateur photographers has been unveiled in the Market Hall for the annual photography exhibition.

On display until November, a total of 19 images have been selected and printed onto the eight panels, one metre wide and five metres high, that are suspended from the massive roof space in the Grade 2 listed building.

The competition was launched in October for the public to submit entries based on the nature and wildlife theme to highlight the beauty and diversity of the local flora and fauna.

Clr Peter McBride said: “Each year I am delighted with the quality of entries and this year has been no exception.

“I am particularly pleased that we have new photographers taking part each year to showcase their talents.”

All the photographers selected this year are first time entrants.

They include Richard Aspinall, of Almondbury, who has been taking pictures since he was a teenager and is very pleased to see his work in Queensgate Market.

Richard has recently changed his career after being made redundant and is working to build up a portfolio of magazine work and commercial imagery.

Another cameraman is Spencer Wilson, from Longwood, who said: “I’ve always been loosely interested in photography, but it was when I got my first decent digital camera about five years ago that my interest really took off.

“I still only participate casually, but digital offers people like me the opportunity to snap away as they please in the hope they will get a couple of decent quality snaps out of it!

“As a complete amateur, it is extremely pleasing to have work selected to go on public display, especially in a building as architecturally impressive as Queensgate Market.”

Grant Brooke has lived in Huddersfield all his life and is a keen lover of wildlife and nature.

He said: “In the last couple of years I have taken to recording what I see with photography and joined the Huddersfield Photo Imaging Club in the last couple of months to learn from those more experienced and to stretch myself in other areas.

“I was overjoyed to hear the news that my images had been selected for the Queensgate Exhibition, I still can’t believe it, and I hope people enjoy the images as much as I have in taking them.”

David Lockwood, also of Huddersfield, said: “This is fantastic news. I am so pleased that I am able to share my images with the public of Kirklees.

“As a true Yorkshireman would say, I am really chuffed.”

David, from Mount is also a member of the Huddersfield Photo Imaging Club and took up the hobby after a period of illness, finding it therapeutic and relaxing.

Next year’s photography theme will be ‘Traditions in Kirklees’ with calls for images to reflect the heritage of Kirklees, not just buildings, but industry, dance, events and food to name just a few. The competition will officially open in October with entries to:

maria.cotton@kirklees.gov.uk