A PHOTOGRAPHER captured a majestic photo of the sun rising through Dorset's Durdle Door arch – a once-in-a-year opportunity.

Every year lucky visitors can see the sun rise right through the famous arch, and the spectacle is stunning to watch and photograph.

Dedicated snapper Hang Ross had her patience rewarded after visiting the beauty spot several times, finally capturing the magic during the early hours of Christmas Day.

The iconic ‘through the keyhole’ shot can only be captured at a certain time of year because of the angle the sun rises at.

The Hampshire resident said: "I love to take photos in Dorset and have a specific interest in the Jurassic Coast seascapes and landscapes.

"Having captured the Durdle Door sunrise through the arch last year for the first time, I am now hooked as it is a magical place made even more special by this event.

"Every time is different and still a challenge. Often the weather is a gamble, but I am always seeking perfection with sunrise, light, clouds and colour."

Mrs Ross said the window for capturing the perfect shot has been shortened this year due to storms and unpredictable weather.

She added: "Having already visited on December 22 and 23, we decided to have Christmas on Portland with the family for easy access to the area.

"The best forecast was Christmas morning so we prepped the Christmas lunch in advance and were up at 5.30am, walking down to the beach with the kit.

"After capturing the sunrise through Durdle Door, many of the other hopeful, equally keen photographers were heading back to spend Christmas morning with their families and loved ones.

"A few of us persevered, capturing the last light through the arch, when we noticed a stray lobster pot and a tool used along the Dorset coast that had broken loose and washed up on the beach.

"It presented a perfect opportunity that I wanted to capture, with local industry in the foreground against the ancient seascape, during an event I love this time of the year.

"It was a perfect Christmas present, being in the right place at the right moment with the right subject.

"Once we finished we put the lobster pot back to be reclaimed and started the long hike up the cliffs to return home to our family for the rest of Christmas."

The Dorset Echo has previously published tips on how to catch the spectacle, which can be read by clicking here.