A DORSET photographer said he has been “completely blown away” after his picture of Burton Bradstock was chosen for the National Trust Handbook.

For the first time ever, the National Trust launched a competition for members’ photographs to be used on the front of its annual handbook.

The handbook, which is published annually, this year celebrates its 30th anniversary and is sent to the National Trust’s 4.5 million members.

More than 8,000 people entered the competition with pictures from the length of breadth of the British isles.

The winning photo was taken by Paul Rook, 54, who with his saltsprayed action shot of his partner of 20 years Kevan, and sister-inlaw Antje on Burton Bradstock Beach.

Paul, who lives in Poole, said: “We had gone down to the beach after visiting my brother, who lives in Portland. I wanted to practise my photography on some seagulls. But by chance I saw Kevan and Antje running back from a wave.” He has been a member of the National Trust for three years and said he was “completely blown away” by winning the competition.

The judges felt Paul’s image stood out for its inspiring message to go outside, explore and build memories.

The judges also liked the sense of joy and playfulness that the picture captured and the sense of British eccentricity.

Paul’s winning photograph was chosen by a panel of five judges, including television presenter Julia Bradbury and professional photographer Andrew Butler.

Mr Butler said: “A good picture needs to get its message across clearly and make the viewer feel something. Paul’s is a theatrical image that makes me want to be there in that landscape having fun.”