Sir Richard Branson is challenging photographers to capture the beauty of their landscape as part of a campaign championing the British countryside.

The national photo competition is part of Virgin Balloon Flights’ new Love Our Landscape initiative which is encouraging people to explore rural Britain more and to support its communities.

Entries can fall into one of several themes including landscape, woodland, wildlife or farm life and be taken from a balloon, of a balloon or at ground level.

Photos must be of mainland Britain and need to be submitted online via a competition application on the Virgin Balloon Flights’ Facebook page.

Two winners, one chosen by a panel of judges and one by public vote, will receive a Virgin Balloon Flight for two worth £238, a £200 Amazon voucher and a £100 Roots & Wings Organic hamper.

A further ten pictures will be selected to join them in a 2014 Love Landscape charity calendar raising money for the Woodland Trust, The Wildlife Trusts and The Prince’s Countryside Fund.

Sir Richard, an avid balloonist and Virgin Group Founder, said:

“We’re challenging amateur photographers to come up with a picture that captures what is so special about our countryside for a chance to win an unforgettable balloon flight and other fantastic prizes.”

Mark Simmons, a Virgin Balloon Flights pilot in the south west of England, said:

“Each year we see some incredible photographs taken from our balloons and for the Love Our Landscape competition we’re looking for photos, from the air or ground, which tell a story about the local rural landscape.”

Enter at www.facebook.com/virginballoonflights and click ‘WIN’.

About Roots & Wings:

The Roots & Wings hamper will be filled with the most delicious organic treats, made by master craftsmen in Great Britain including the finest organic biscuits, jams, chocolates, traditional boiled sweeties and condiments.

Made with the best organic ingredients, each product reflects the Roots & Wings passion for the environment and animal welfare.

By working with a hand-picked selection of British farmers and local artisan food producers across the British Isles who share the Roots & Wings values, the highest quality foods are created that taste divine and are packaged beautifully.

The nurturing nature of Roots & Wings is clear, 10% of the company's profits are donated to UK Children's charities each year, as voted for by their consumers. To keep in touch with Roots & Wings visit www.rootsandwingsorganic.com