CityCo has teamed up with Northern Quarter based Manchester Photographic to run a series of waterways-themed photography courses this summer.

Led by expert tutors, the Urban Canal photography course will take photographers on a canal-side trail from Piccadilly Basin to Castlefield, and will run from May through to July.

The course is designed to encourage people to learn new photographic skills through shooting some of Manchester’s industrial heritage, magnificent architecture, wildlife, bridges, locks and railways.

The course is part of CityCo's Open City campaign which seeks to promote Manchester as a welcoming and accessible photography destination. A competition will also run in tandem with the course.

The 40 competition finalists will have the opportunity to have their work exhibited in Manchester Photographic’s new Dale Street gallery from Saturday 18 – Sunday 26 August 2012, and the photographs will be printed on top quality Hahnemuhle fine art paper to be presented to the finalists.

Entry is free for attendees of the Urban Canal photography course. Up to four images can be submitted person and there is a £5 administration fee per image for those who have not attended the course.

Photographs must be taken of the waterways between Piccadilly basin and Castlefield.