The Jurassic Coast is the focus of a unique new book packed with beautiful photographs of Dorset.

Dorset From The Sea is published next month and is thought to be the first book that has captured the coast entirely from offshore.

Former Echo photographer Steve Belasco, inset, who lives with wife Josie and sons Louis and Tristan in Portesham, has spent much spare time over the past four years capturing images from his ‘diminutive’ motorboat Strange Weather and the results make spectacular viewing.Dorset Echo:

He said: “As a keen sailor, I spent many years cruising the beautiful Dorset coast, always amazed at the scenery.

“But it was only about four years ago I suddenly twigged that I should be combining the boating with my other interest of photography; it was a bit of a no-brainer really.”

Steve, who is an ‘ambassador’ for the Jurassic Coast Trust, added: “I love our county deeply and realise how privileged I am to be able to enjoy the view from the sea.

“It’s the best way to see the Jurassic Coast but most people never get that opportunity.

“Hence the book; I wanted to share those wonderful vistas with as many people as possible.”

Dorset Echo:

The glossy, coffee table-style book documents a cruise from Lyme Regis in the west to Old Harry Rocks in the east and the beautiful photographs include not just astounding views of our coastal waters, but also the locals and visitors that enjoy them and the animals and people that depend on them.

There’s also a foreword by Dame Ellen MacArthur who was enthralled by the Dorset coastline on her first visit here as a teenage sailor. Steve became friends with Ellen after he was sent by the Echo to photograph her in Weymouth.

He is donating a proportion of proceeds to Dame Ellen’s cancer trust which helps young people recovering from the disease.

Dorset From The Sea by Steve Belasco is published by Veloce Publishing on February 21 and can be pre-ordered now from local bookshops and online.