AN amateur photographer from Chipping Norton has taken first prize in Batsford Arboretum’s first photography competition.

Viv Thompson produced a beautiful image of a densely wooded part of the arboretum as his entry in the competition to capture ‘The Essence of Batsford’.

PR and Marketing Manager Susie Hunt said: "Visitors to the arboretum were encouraged to create an image which they felt summed up the beauty of Batsford during the height of the main spring blossom over Easter and we were delighted with the entries we received.

"Obviously the blossom of the flowering cherries and magnolias proved a very popular subject, but we loved the raw, earthy beauty of Mr Thompson’s photograph which we felt really showed what makes Batsford such a special place."

The runner up in the competition was Trevor Florence, who produced an image of Sisters Pool at the top end of the arboretum.

The competition was launched in conjunction with Moreton Times Magazine and both the winning and runner-up images will feature in the June edition.

The winner will receive a season ticket for two people to visit Batsford Arboretum for free throughout the coming year.

As well as appearing in the Moreton Times, the images will be featured in the 2015 Batsford calendar and go on display in the Visitor Centre.