A FILM that shines a revealing light on the Mersey Estuary wildlife is in the running for a national award.

Making Room for Nature, commissioned by local charity Mersey Gateway Environmental Trust, is on the list of entries for this year's Charity Film Awards.

Produced by local filmmaker Alison Hitchens, it takes a closer look at the Trust's findings of how wildlife on the estuary has been affected by the construction of the Mersey Gateway Bridge, reflecting upon our choice to make room for nature.

Alison spent two weeks on the estuary, and with the environmental team, capturing wild footage including shell ducks, meadow pipits, lapwings and estuarine fish.

The public are being urged to view the video and support the Mersey Gateway Environmental Trust by voting for Making Room for Nature at the Charity Film Awards website: https://charityfilmawards.com/videos/making-room-for-nature

Alison told Runcorn & Widnes World: "It was incredible following the environmental team and discovering just how much life there is in and around the Mersey Estuary.

"I especially enjoyed filming a pair of shell ducks; it was quite comical watching the male trying to keep up with his mate whilst waddling ,wading and sliding their way across the exposed mud looking for food at low tide.

"I hope local people enjoy the film, and vote for it. With every new development we can, and should, choose to make room for nature.

"Please always keep to public footpaths when viewing wildlife in the Mersey Estuary area."

David Colbourne, chief executive of the Mersey Gateway Environmental Trust, said: "We hope that the film will champion our wonderful local wildlife right here in the Upper Mersey Estuary.

"Receiving public votes for this award will support our charity and promote our mission to increase the biodiversity of the Estuary.

"If you love your wildlife then please vote for us!"

The Charity Film Awards champions effective story-telling and digital engagement among not-for-profits in the UK.

Since its launch in 2017 over 1000 charity films have entered and over ¼ million members of the public have voted.

Simon Burton, founder of the Charity Film Awards, said: "All the charities that have entered deserve to be congratulated, but they need more than thanks, they need votes!

"It's simple for the public to vote for their favourite charity film at www.charityfilmawards.com."

The current public vote phase will determine the final shortlist, which will then be judged by a panel of experts.