Norfolk beach shipwreck photo by Suffolk photographer wins top prize

A photograph showing the wreck of a trawler on Hunstanton Beach in Norfolk has won first prize in a national competition.

The picture, taken by Suffolk graphic designer Justin Minns, shows the wreck of the steam trawler Sheraton.

It won top prize in the contest organised by the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society to find the UK's best sea view.

Judges included Matt Havercroft, editor of Discover Britain Magazine, and Kate Westaway, a marine photographer and TV producer.

Kate said: "Justin's picture was fantastic, it stood out to me when I initially looked at the pictures and it also immediately stood out to the other judges.

"It really does give you a sense of our relationship with the sea and how cruel it can be."

Justin's prize is a five-day return crossing from Dover to Calais with P&O Ferries, along with an engraved Shipwrecked Mariners' Society barometer.

Runner-up images were submitted by Dave Peake from Devon, with his photo taken half underwater in Kingsand rock pool in Cornwall, and Gary Cox from Gloucester with his photo of Porthcawl Lighthouse in Bridgend, Wales.

Commodore Malcolm Williams, the charity's chief executive, said: "There was a huge variety of photographs from all round the country, from coastal views to open sea, fishing vessels and container ships, taken from dawn until sunset, each in its own way reflecting our nation's intimate relationship with the sea.

"This competition is a great way to celebrate our commitment to those who dedicate their lives to the sea. I would like to thank all those who took part."