These stunning images capture the breathtaking beauty and astonishing diversity of waterways running through west and north London.

From stunning sunsets and roaming wildlife to canoeists and houseboats, the photos show the breadth of life along the capital's canals and rivers.

They were all taken by amateur snappers for the Living Waterways competition, jointly run by the environmental charity Thames 21 and the Brent Catchment Partnership.

More than 50 people from across Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Harrow and Hounslow entered the contest, which was set up to promote improvements along the River Brent and its tributaries.

All the shortlisted entries are now available to view on the new Brent Catchment Partnership website here , where you can also find updates on work to sustain and enhance local waterways, including voluntary clean-ups.

'Photos reveal some of London's hidden beauty spots'

You can also see them at the W7 Emporium, 60 Boston Road, Hanwell , where a free display is running until April 24. Anyone attending can get 10% off food and drink at the venue by clicking here .

Emma Harrington, development manager at Thames21, said the shortlisted entries illustrated the unique and picturesque qualities of the River Brent and its tributaries, which together extend for 82km.

"Thames21 is all about putting rivers at the heart of community life and so to inspire more people to get involved with their local waterway, we devised this amateur photography competition to encourage people to engage with waterways," she added.

"By using new mediums to get people inspired, it was also hoped that we'd be able to reveal some of London's hidden beauty spots and by sharing those photos inspire others to discover and enjoy them too."

The £100 first prize was won by Clive Hicks, of Ealing, for his entry 'River Brent in Frost'. Judges said they were impressed by the photo's "timeless quality", only to discover after making their decision that it was actually taken 40 years ago.

Clive said: "I find that taking photos really opens one's eyes to the beauty that is everywhere. Water - rivers, lakes, canals - is always an enhancement to a locality with a special quality.

"Winning this competition was such a surprise, and I'm delighted that the image will be used to encourage people to visit and enjoy their local waterways."