Photographers must snap to it to beat deadline for contest

The area in West Hull that was home to the city's once-mighty fishing industry is undergoing significant change and redevelopment, and residents are being asked to capture what they consider the essence of the place.

The competition, being run by regeneration agency Gateway, is being backed by entertainer Joe Longthorne, one of Hessle Road's most famous sons.

Mr Longthorne lived on Rifle Terrace off Walker Street and often returns to visit his sister Lizzie at her home in Coltman Street.

He said the thing he cherished most was the distinctive atmosphere of the Hessle Road pubs.

"The atmosphere in the pubs around Hessle Road and where we lived was something that I have always loved and it's why I still love going back," he said. "I'm still a Hull lad at heart and I always will be.

"We (traveller families) were moved to Rifle Terrace, just off Walker Street, near the famous Hessle Road, from our trailers, so the terrace was packed full of people I knew.

"It's no longer there now; it's been turned into a community centre, which I think is a nice touch because it was very much the centre of our community when I lived there. It was a great terrace. It was always full of hustle and bustle, with horses and carts everywhere, and I was comfortably cocooned there in my own world. There were great characters and our terrace was alive with activity all the time."

More than 50 entries have already been submitted.

The best 10 images will be etched onto artwork on newly installed lamp post and become a permanent feature of the area.

They will also be used in an exhibition later this year.

Gateway programme manager Maria Clayton said: "Every day the team has been delighted with the response to the competition and it's been really interesting to see different peoples thoughts and feelings about the famous road through their photographs."

Digital entries can be uploaded via www.gatewayhull.

co.uk/hessle-road, and prints sent to My Hessle Road competition, Gateway, 5th Floor, Kingston House, Bond Street, HU1 3BR.