The 'East Suffolk Through the Lens' photo competition has declared its winners.

Organised by East Suffolk Council, the competition gave amateur and professional photographers the chance to share their favourite views in the district with their lenses.

More than 350 entries were made during the seven-week competition which ran between December 11 and January 28.

The winning photo 'Early Morning Swim at Southwold Beach' by Tim Bennett stood out to judges for its 'striking colour, light, and tranquillity'.

Lowestoft Journal: Peter Stokes ghostly image of Felixstowe Ferry on the River Deben Peter Stokes ghostly image of Felixstowe Ferry on the River Deben (Image: Peter Stokes)

Three highly commended photographic pieces included a misty beach scene in Lowestoft by Darren Kirby, a 'ghostly' Felixstowe Ferry on the River Deben by Peter Stokes, and a hare sprinting across Boyton and Hollesley Marshes by Jordan Shaddick.

In the competition's under-16 division, Bruno Leon won the top prize for his photograph of a vole eating grass at RSPB Minsmere.

The council encouraged participants to submit photos that encapsulated the essence of East Suffolk, from its landmarks and landscapes to its people and wildlife.

Lowestoft Journal: Jordan Shaddick was a commended runner up with his photo of a hare bounding across Boyton and Hollesley Marshes Jordan Shaddick was a commended runner up with his photo of a hare bounding across Boyton and Hollesley Marshes (Image: Jordan Shaddick)

Cllr Caroline Topping, East Suffolk Council leader, and member of the competition judging panel, said: “We were so impressed with the range and quality of photographs submitted for ‘East Suffolk Through the Lens’.

"Viewing them was a real treat and confirmed the beauty and diversity of landscape in our district.

“Some were inspiring, others were humorous or cleverly composed, and all were worthy of praise for representing something special about East Suffolk to the photographer.

Lowestoft Journal: Bruno Leon won the under-16 category of the competition with his photograph of a vole eating grass Bruno Leon won the under-16 category of the competition with his photograph of a vole eating grass (Image: Bruno Leon)

"Thanks to everyone who submitted an entry and congratulations to our winners.”

As the grand prize, Tim Bennett's photo will feature on the East Suffolk Magazine's cover when delivered to every household in the district next spring.

The overall and under-16 winners along with the three runners-up will also receive high street retail vouchers.

The judges' selected photos are available for viewing on the East Suffolk Through the Lens webpage.