Jamie Green's photo of brush burning

The photographic work of two Lake District volunteers has been shortlisted in a national contest.

The Muck in 4 Life competition was set up to celebrate volunteer activities. Mike Turner of Halifax, West Yorkshire, and Jamie Green of Backbarrow, Newby Bridge, are among four finalists chosen from 50 entries in the competition, run by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Mike Turner's picture of drystone wallers

Both men are volunteers with the Lake District National Park Authority. The pictures will be submitted by Defra to the Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition at Kew for final judging.

Mr Turner has been a volunteer for six years, and has worked in commercial photography. Many of his images are used on the authority website. His picture is of drystone walling near Ennerdale Water.

He said: “I took the walling pictures on a horrendous day in August. Despite the driving wind and rain, the volunteers were out there, getting the job done. I wanted it to show how much we all care about the Lake District.”

Mr Green’s shot shows brush burning in the Rusland Valley. The retired civil servant, musician and busker and volunteer of seven years said his photograph showed people don’t need specific skills, just the ability to muck in.

Environment minister Huw Irranca-Davies, said: “These are great photos and picking a winner will be a difficult task. They show how people enjoy mucking in to help with the environment.”