The world-renowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is set to return to Wolverhampton Art Gallery next month with a host of stunning images.

On loan from the Natural History Museum in London, it will open at the Lichfield Street venue on Saturday 22 October, featuring exceptional images which capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breath-taking diversity of the natural world.

The judges of the 58th Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition had an extremely difficult task this year and every entry was judged anonymously on its creativity, originality, and technical excellence by an international panel of industry experts.

The winning images, including the prestigious Grand Title Award winners, will be announced on 11 October during a glittering awards show hosted by wildlife presenter and conservationist Chris Packham, at the Natural History Museum.

Visitors to the exhibition will see how using photography's unique emotive power engages and inspires audiences. Over 80 images will be displayed on lightboxes to create an immersive experience shine a light on stories and species around the world and encourage a future of advocating for the planet.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious photography event of its kind, providing a global platform that showcases some of the best photography talent from around the world for over 55 years.

Launching in 1965, today the competition receives entries from over 90 countries all over the world, highlighting its enduring appeal. This year’s award-winning images will embark on an international tour that will allow them to be seen by well over a million people.

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year 59 competition opens for entries on 17 October and closes on 8 December.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year will open at Wolverhampton Art Gallery on Saturday 22 October and will run until Saturday 24 December. The exhibition can be seen Monday to Saturday (10.30am to 4.30pm) and Sunday (11.30am to 3.30pm).

Tickets are available here. For more information visit wolverhamptonart.org.uk.