A PHOTOGRAPHER has snapped up a competition top spot with an ‘impressive’ Lake District photo.

Mick Gardner, from Hoghton in Preston, won the online contest run by Choice Hotels in conjunction with English Tourism week with a photo of Ullswater Lake.

Mr Gardner said: “Most days I go for a walk with a camera and if I see something I like, I take a photo, nothing is planned or organised it’s just about luck for me.”

The competition attracted a number of high standard entries via Facebook and Instagram who were keen to show their favourite place in the Lake District.

Professional photographer Steve Barber, who is based in the Lake District and has spent 20 years as a press photographer, selected the winner.

He said: “This image demonstrates how beautiful the Lake District landscape can be even without a chocolate box blue sky or from using digital enhancing techniques.”

The prize was a weekend break at The Patterdale Hotel which Mr Gardner will take advantage of this summer.