STUNNING images of the Cotswolds will go on display in Oxford today – with an image by a camera enthusiast from the city’s Blackbird Leys estate taking pride of place.

A Cotswold Scene, an exhibition of amateur photography, features 19 images selected through a competition.

Each one celebrates different aspects of the landscape and the people who live and work within it.

The overall winner was Peter Kuzmin, from Harebell Road, for his atmospheric shot of Broadway Tower.

The folly was built in 1798 and was was the vision of renowned landscape designer Capability Brown and architect James Wyatt.

Mr Kuzmin, who wants to turn his hobby into a profession, said he waited weeks for the perfect weather conditions to create his winning shot.

He added: “It is great to feature in the exhibition.

“I had to wait for the right weather to get the shot. It has all the elements, the architecture and the landscape.”

The exhibition was the brainchild of Sarah Howard, who runs landscape photography workshops. She was so impressed with the standard of amateur work that she decided to organise both a competition and exhibition of work.

Mrs Howard, of Carterton, said: “A large number of my workshops take place in the Cotswolds and its an area that can be overlooked in favour of Scotland or the Lake District.

“So I thought it would be great to give it recognition through local people in a photography competition.”

The competition was split into three categories depicting landscapes, people and an open category, with youth and adult sections in each.

More than 160 images had been put forward and 19 selected for the final exhibition.

O3 gallery manager Helen Statham said the Cotswolds had huge appeal with residents and visitors.

She said: “It has a timeless quality and with this exhibition we are celebrating that.”

“A Cotswold Scene”, sponsored by Blueprint Imaging, Isis Framing and the Cotswold Conservation Board, runs until January 9 at O3 Gallery, Oxford Castle. Admission free.