West Dorset features heavily in a new book packed with stunning photographs of the Jurassic Coast.

Dorset From The Sea is published next month and is thought to be unique in that it has been captured entirely from offshore.

Marine photographer Steve Belasco, who lives in Portesham with wife Josie and has two sons, Louis at Sir John Colfox School and Tristan at Bridport Primary School, has spent most of his spare time over the last four years capturing images from his ‘diminutive’ motorboat Strange Weather, and the results make spectacular viewing.

He said: “As a keen sailor, I spent many years cruising the beautiful Dorset coast, always amazed at the scenery.

“But it was only about four years ago I suddenly twigged that I should be combining the boating with my other interest of photography – it was a bit of a no-brainer really.”

Steve, who is a volunteer ‘ambassador’ for the Jurassic Coast Trust, added: “I love this county and realised how privileged I am to be able to enjoy the view from the sea ‘from the outside looking in’, really.

“It’s the best way to see our Jurrasic Coast, but most people never get that opportunity.

“Hence the book. I wanted to share those wonderful vistas with as many people as possible.”

The glossy, coffee table-style book documents a cruise from Lyme Regis in the west to Old Harry Rocks in the east and the beautiful photographs include not just astounding views of our coastal waters, but also the locals and visitors that enjoy them and the animals and people that depend on them.

There is also a foreword by Dame Ellen Macarthur who was enthralled by the Dorset coastline on her first visit here as a teenager.

Steve is donating a proportion of proceeds to Dame Ellen’s cancer trust for young people recovering from the disease.

Dorset From The Sea by Steve Belasco, £24.99, ISBN 9781845847623.
Souvenir edition, £9.99, ISBN 9781845847647.
Published by Veloce Publishing.
They can be pre-ordered now from most bookshops and online.