An amateur photographer from Strete has scooped an award for snapping a stunning snow scene in the South Hams.

Nick Shepherd was named the South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year 2019 for his icy image.

Taken in March last year between Slapton and Blackpool Sands, the image shows the mass disruption caused by Storm Emma.

On the morning he captured the winning shot, he woke up to snow and a “howling gale”, but was keen to photograph the powerful waves on Blackpool Sands.

He said: “This would normally be a 20-minute walk, but it quickly became apparent that there was no path to follow as it was completely covered in snow.

“I, therefore, thought it best to follow the field hedge, which was on slightly flatter terrain.”

“The wind was so strong that I took shelter in the lee of the hedge and then noticed the swirling snow in the sky.

“Bracing myself, I took a couple of shots and then decided it would be prudent to go home!”

One of the judges was adventure photographer Ian Finch, who praised him for capturing an “other-worldly” sight.

Nick said he was “thrilled” when he found out he had won.

He said: “To be selected as a winner for this prestigious competition is a great honour and there is a certain irony that the image was taken so close to home and that it was not my intended destination for photography that day.”

Battling 800 other entries, Nick won a luxury stay in Cornwall and a Nikon School photography voucher.

Nick says he is looking forward to taking photos in Bude and Hartland Quay, some of his favourite coastal areas in North Cornwall.