A Sheppey nature photographer has scooped the top prize in a county-wide competition.

Phil Haynes was awarded first place in the landscape, coastline and people category of the Kent Wildlife Trust’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards.

The Eastchurch resident took gold for his image called “Sunrise over Capel Hill”.

This year saw more than 520 photos from 95 competitors put forward for four categories, which is the biggest participation they have ever had.

The 62-year-old was presented with his prize, a certificate and hamper, by the Mayor of Swale, Cllr Sue Gent, at the Barnyard Restaurant in Upchurch on Thursday, November 7.

It is the first competition Mr Haynes has ever entered any of his pictures in and he only did as his wife Jill encouraged him to.

“I was really pleased,” he said.

“I like the idea of promoting Sheppey, there are good parts of it, especially the wildlife.”

Sam Baylis, 17, from Cuxton, came first in the junior category for his photo of a short-eared owl which was also taken on the Island at the Elmley RSPB reserve.