The Dunster Tourism Forum has announced the winners of its first photography competition.

Over 300 people entered the competition, which opened in January, and the judging panel was impressed by the high standard and variety of the entries on the theme of ‘The Most Beautiful Photo of Dunster’.

First prize went to Geoff Baylis for his atmospheric black and white image of the lychgate at St George’s Church, second was Tim Wetherell for his awe-inspiring starry skies over St George’s Church, and third was Lee Webber for his moody photograph of the Dunster Tithe Barn in the mist.

Gary Reed’s golden sunrise at Dunster Beach was chosen by a public vote on Facebook as the winner of the hotly-contested People’s Choice Award. 

The judges also added an unplanned category of Highly Commended to recognise three particularly special photographs by Geoff Baylis, Sindy Randall and Roger Shattock.

The winning entries can be seen at a free exhibition which opened at The Stables, Dunster Castle, last Saturday and runs until Wednesday July 24.

It then moves to the Priory Church of St George from Tuesday August 20 to Tuesday September 17, with further venues to be announced. 

The winners received their prizes from Will Raynor of sponsors Courtyard Framing at the exhibition’s VIP launch party last Friday.

Other sponsors were Dunster Castle, Dunster Living interior Shop, Dunster Tithe Barn, Hullabaloos Lemonade, Luttrell Arms Hotel, Nina Dodd Photography, RAFT boutique, Reeves restaurant and Wicked Wolf Gin.

Judges were local artist Leo Davey, designer Jack McCausland, photographer Nina Dodd and PR and marketing consultant Lucy Green.