A STUNNING image of the Jurassic Coast has seen a local photographer beat of hundreds of other entries in a photography competition celebrating the South West Coast Path.

Ian Alcock, who grew up in Weymouth and lives in Dorchester, claimed success in the annual photographic competition with his picture of the cliffs at Burton Bradstock at twilight.

He said: “This was taken nearly 15 minutes after the sun had set below the horizon and the remaining clouds reflect the pink tones left from the sun’s afterglow.”

He said: “I’ve entered the competition the past two years and made it in the calendar both times so it’s very exciting to have won.

“I am passionate about the Dorset coast and I grew up in Weymouth, so I know Portland and the area quite well.

“I’ve been into photography since I was 17 and it’s what got me into my trade in the printing industry but I would like to focus on it more in future – it’s something I’m working towards.”

The winning picture was chosen by professional photographer and former Wildlife photographer of the Year, David Noton, who helped judge the competition.

He said of Ian’s photograph: “There’s a beautiful richness to the tones in this image, from the shadows in the cliffs to the brightest part of the twilight sky.

“Like all the best images it’s a simple composition with nothing in the frame that doesn’t deserve to be there. “The texture of the layers of rock in the cliffs is also highly evocative; they take the viewer’s eye into the picture towards Golden Cap in the distance.”

Ian’s prize package includes a luxury two-night stay in Devon.

He said: “My wife and I love Devon so we’re very much looking forward to taking up our prize and I’ll be out on the coast path taking pictures of the coastline.”

Ian also receives £100 worth of camera equipment from the David Noton website.

The winning image will feature alongside 11 other pictures in the official South West Coast Path calendar for 2017 which will be on sale across the area.

For more information about the South West Coast Path Association visit southwestcoastpath.org.uk