MAB, the campaign for sympathetic stone memorialization, has joining forces with Lodge Brothers, funeral director and memroial mason, for its 2014 photography competition. Closing date for entries is 31 July. The winner gets a £1,000 prize.

Now in its fifth year, this photography competition calls on novices and professionals alike to capture the beauty of stone memorials from the past and the present.

The theme this year commemorates the centenary of 'The Great War', World War I, and invites photographers to feature memorials that best represent their understanding of the First World War. This time, though, you also have to include a 50-word explanation of why you chose the partiucular subject of the photograph you enter.

Founded in 1984 by memorial masons, the Memorial Awareness Board (MAB) champions the continuance and importance of stone memorialization. War memorials tend to be stone and emphasise the important role a long-term memorial plays in commemoration.

The MAB campaign focuses on the upkeep and protection of UK cemeteries and supports UK stonemasons by providing a hub of information for the general public, academics, local government and the media on the benefits and beauty of stone memorialisation.

Chris Lodge, from the sponsors and a member of the MAB Executive, says: “Memorials play an important part in our social history, whether they are personal or public. This year’s theme will enable entrants to share their images of family headstones or village cenotaphs, all of which will tell a story and allow us to remember the sacrifice made by so many in the First World War."

For more information on the Memorial Awareness Board (MAB) and how to enter the competition visit www.rememberforever.org.uk