AN Isle of Wight landscape will grace the cover of the National Trust Handbook for 2020 — as Island man, Les Lockhart, has won photography competition to feature on the cover of over five million handbooks.

After entering the National Trust photography competition of 2020, a tranquil sunset photograph taken at Newtown National Nature Reserve over the pier by Les, of East Cowes, will star on the cover of the annual guide.

Les said: "I love being able to go out to Newtown — whether it’s during the day to watch all the wildlife, or in the evening for the sunset.

"It’s such a beautiful, peaceful location, and there are so many features that make it a great place for photography too, like the walkway and the boats on the estuary.

"One of the reasons I like photography is that you’re able to share these places with others.

"Hopefully seeing the image on the Handbook will encourage people to really appreciate and make the most of beautiful places on their own doorstep."

Thousands of photographs were entered into the competition with the theme of 'places that make you feel good' that reflected the impact of beautiful locations on people's well-being but Les' photo won and will be sent out to 5.6 million members of the conservation charity in the year it celebrates its 125th anniversary.

The photo was chosen by a panel of five judges including wildlife cameraman and presenter, Simon King.

Simon said: "Les’s photo stood out because of the beautiful composition, with the wooden walkway drawing the eye in and giving that combination of the gentle touch of man in a wild landscape".

"It captures a moment in light that is ephemeral, but entirely possible for anyone to witness if they spend time in a place like this."

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