AN OXFORDSHIRE photographer has won Britain's best rural view photo competition.

Ian Sherriffs, from Buscot Wick, near Faringdon, was crowned for his photo ‘Sunrise over Coleshill’, taken in a neighbouring village and has won a luxury break away for his shot.

To celebrate the many glorious rural landscapes across the country and find Britain’s best local countryside view, BBC Countryfile magazine readers were asked to submit photos from any aspect of their daily life - whether a view of their garden, office, local dog walk, or even school run.

The general public were then asked to vote for their favourite views, with Mr Sherriffs finishing in the top 10. But he won the ‘Calor Choice’ award.

He said: “I’d been walking with my girlfriend and our dog Ernie at Coleshill and noticed the location had great potential.

"After researching the best lighting conditions, I decided to return a week later and take the photo during the sunrise.

"I really liked the gate and the trees made a perfect frame for the onlooking countryside view.”

Discussing the benefits of living in rural Oxfordshire, he added: ‘It’s a release from being at my computer for my day job, to get out and about in the countryside and really appreciate the nature surrounding me.”

Mr Sherriffs says he had a passion for the countryside and is a keen nature photographer. He tries to take advantage of the local area through walking and cycling.

Andy Parker, of sponsors Calor Gas, added: “We’re delighted to name Ian Sherriffs as the winner of our Britain's best rural view photo competition.

"We wanted to gather together photos of inspiring views, that make people proud to be part of the British countryside, and this image definitely fits the bill.”

Mr Sherriffs won a Forest Holidays luxury lodge break, and plans to take his partner Victoria and dog Ernie.