Budding photographers entered a competition celebrating parks and gardens across Weymouth and Portland. 

Around 80 photographs were entered from across the borough to the '#loveweyportparks' competition organised by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

Winner of the competition was Sarah Colwell from Portland, who works as a freelance project manager and book keeper.

Sarah said: "I recently took up photography as a hobby and often find inspiration in our local parks, so I can’t tell you how delighted I am to have won this competition.

"I grew up in Weymouth and spent some very happy teenage summer holidays on the beach near Greenhill. I had a summer job in the Greenhill Gardens Café, right next to where my photo was taken, so of course Greenhill Gardens holds many happy memories for me.

"During the last couple of years I have increased the amount of walking I do, aiming for 10,000 steps a day, so having a park or two along my walking routes is so uplifting." 

The competition was judged by members of the local Friends groups, who support Weymouth and Portland's much-loved green spaces. 

Entrants impressed the groups with their high standard of photography, and an atmospheric shot of Sandsfoot Castle taken by Marc Eyre was complimented by members.

The winning entry and a selection of the other photographs will soon go on display at the borough council offices on Commercial Road.

Councillor Kate Wheller, borough council spokesman for community facilities, said: “Our parks and gardens are among the best in the whole country and a fantastic asset to our borough.

"I would encourage everyone to go and explore the beauty that is on their doorstep, after all a walk in the park is free, healthy and fun."

It is thought that more than 3 and a half million people visit Weymouth and Portland’s 91 hectares of green space every year. 

Competition organisers have thanked everyone that took part in the initiative.

Visit dorsetforyou.gov.uk/weymouthandportlandgardens.