A PHOTO called 'Meon Valley Mist' was commended in the South Downs National Park’s Annual Photo Competition.

The winner was David Jeffery with his photo 'Little Owl Chick and Dad', from more than 500 entries.

The competition judges were award-winning photographers Rachael Talibart, Finn Hopson, and Carlotta Luke, as well as Nick Heasman, countryside policy manager for the South Downs National Park Authority, and Doug Jones, SDNPA member.

Nick said: “I like the east and west theme and it’s very fitting for the South Downs, which is such a long National Park and changes so much from east to west. I’m also reminded of the great poet Rudyard Kipling who adored the South Downs and wrote of them ‘running’ from east to west. The photograph is out of the ordinary and something we haven’t seen before.”

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Photographer David, who lives in Portslade, East Sussex and picks up a £250 prize, said: “I'm proud of the photographs I take but getting recognition is always a special moment.

"I always love seeing natural behaviour when out photographing wildlife, but to see dad and his chick being so comfortable with my presence was especially rewarding. I've spent a lot of time over the past few years with this pair of little owls, but never had much luck photographing any chicks, so it was exciting to finally get some shots I'm happy with.”

Simon Newman's photo, 'Meon Valley Mist', was one of a number of photos to be commended by the judges.

All the winning and commended images, as well as other shortlisted images, will now be put forward to the People’s Choice. People will be able to vote online for their favourite photograph and the winning photographer will receive £75. The online poll closes at midnight on January 31.

Visit southdowns.gov.uk to vote.