Barry Roberts has been awarded first place in the Beautiful Blenheim 2024 photography competition.

Now in its sixth year, the International Garden Photographer of the Year award is highly coveted.

Mr Roberts’ winning photograph is titled Lovely on the Water and he will receive a Champagne afternoon tea for two, a private tour of Blenheim Palace and a Blenheim Palace hamper.

Barry Roberts said: "It really made my day when I heard I had been awarded 1st place in the Beautiful Blenheim Special Award.

"I have visited Blenheim Palace on a number of occasions at different times of the year, and the day in November when I took this photograph was particularly lovely.

"I thought the way the afternoon sun lit up the trees and reflected in the water was magical and the ducks just added another dimension to the picture."

His Grace The Duke of Marlborough, said: "I chose this photograph as it has captured the beauty of the colours shining on the leaves of the trees together with the ducks peacefully feeding in the darker end of the water."

The competition also awarded Mark Hatt second place and Mr Roberts was also honoured with third place.

Selected photos from the competition will be on display at Blenheim Palace from July 10 to September 9, 2024.