Two mates stand in a horse yard, their eyes sparkling as they joke and share stories collected over nearly nine decades of life in the bush.

Photographer Amy Ahchay was determined to capture the rich history between friends, Gordon and Rob, as they paused for a cup of tea and a chat in a paddock in Queensland's Calliope.

"They're just always up to no good or chatting or laughing," Ms Ahchay told AAP.

"Their faces tell a thousand stories and their hands tell a thousand more."

The image, called Two Old Mates Never Short of a Yarn, is one of 10 winners in Rural Aid's annual Spirit of the Bush photography competition, which aims to give Australians a glimpse of country life.

Gordon, in his 90s, spent his working life lugging timber and leading Scouts, while Rob, in his 80s, had always toi

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