HE’S best known for being photographed in an array of wonderful and weird costumes including Mr T, The Rock and Kojak.

But now the Mayor of Oldham has turned the cameras’ focus off himself and onto the local community by launching his own photography competition.

Cllr Javid Iqbal wants contenders to take the best photo showcasing their favourite thing about theirlocal community and send it to him via social media using the hashtag #Mayors1000.

And if they don’t use social media, they should email a photo to javid.iqbal@oldham.gov.uk

The Mayor’s annual campaign aims to get 1,000 people to donate £100 each to raise money five local charities – Dr Kershaw’s, Maggies Oldham, Action Oldham Fund, Mind and St Thomas’ Church, Werneth.

And while he’s not expecting each participant to donate £100 – the Mayor is hoping that the community can club together to raise £1,000 – and win themselves an array of prizes in the process.

The Mayor explained: “I’ve been in front of the cameras and at a range of events and I’ve seen the power that photography can generate.

“It’s helped my campaign a lot and now I want the community to get involved.

“So, I’m looking for the best photos, showcasing the best that Oldham has to offer and for people to give generously.

“There are some fantastic prizes for the winners and your work will be displayed in Gallery Oldham and elsewhere.

“The campaign – #Mayors1000 – aims to get 1,000 people to donate £100 each for five wonderful charities that are close to many people’s hearts.

“I know people won’t all be able to afford to donate £100 but if you get involved and take part and give as generously as possible, I’m confident that together the community can raise a lot of money.”

The competition is open to every Oldham resident.

Participants are asked to make a donation, however big or small (we suggest £1) to the Mayor’s charity appeal which raises money for five local charities.

The competition closes on Friday, March 29 2019 and winners will be announced Monday 29 April 2019.

For more information about the Mayor’s campaign, and to stay in touch with his journey throughout his Mayoral year, follow him on social media by searching for “MayorJav” on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, or visit www.oldham.gov.uk/mayor.