A photographer made a special trip to Dorset to capture a natural spectacle on camera.

Jay Birmingham, 36, from Tamworth, first planned his visit to Durdle Door in August after photographing the milky way over the famous arch during the summer.

He was determined to return to the beauty spot and get a shot of the yearly 'sunrise through the keyhole' which can be seen between early to mid-December and January.

Jay said: “My wife and I set off on Boxing Day in torrential rain. Awaking the next morning, my heart sank. The wind was howling and the rain was relentless. Nevertheless, we set off for Durdle Door down the steep path. Although the rain stopped, the clouds remained.”

However, the weather was on Jay’s side the next day and he managed to get a stunning shot of the sunrise through Durdle Door.

He said: “There were about 40 photographers in total – some on the beach, and some up above, taking panoramas and flying drones. Photography in certain places is rather a social occasion, and this was the most photographers I had seen.”

“Seeing the sun through the arch was mesmerising – it appeared peeping through at first, but soon lit up the entire archway. I was so pleased to get this shot.”

To read Jay's blog, visit jaybirmingham.com/Blog/When-A-Gamble-Pays-Off