THIS stunning image shows a surfer silhouetted against the sea on the shoreline at Bideford Bay.

It was taken by photographer Sylvia Court from Northam for a competition called Time Well Spent which was run by the National Trust, in association with the Sunday Times.

It challenged photographers to take images of people enjoying the Trust's outside spaces.

Sylvia's image made the finals and was published in the Sunday Times.

Sylvia said she only developed an interest in photography two years ago after retiring from Torridge District Council. When she went down to Sandymere to watch the sunset in July she never dreamt one of her pictures would be showcased worldwide.

She said: "My most successful images seem to feature silhouettes in the sunset taken on our local beach and I really feel that the credit for this must go to our beautiful North Devon scenery and not to me as an individual."

Encouraged after seeing one of her pictures printed in the

Journal's

Viewpoint, Sylvia joined the Fuji website, learning tips from others and picking up first prize in its monthly competition.

She has done promotional work for her daughter Suzie's website at www.glo-balls.com but says her favourite subjects are definitely silhouettes in the sunset.

She added: "I have discovered that you don't need expensive equipment to take a good picture. All you need is imagination, good composition, attention to detail and a bit of luck in being in the right place at the right time. Most important of all: keep your camera with you at all times because you never know when that special shot will occur."

Sylvia has always had a keen interest in arts and crafts and used to run a craft shop called The Dragon's Den in the old Torrington pannier market.

Her work can be viewed at www.flickr.com/photos/sylvia-david-court/ or purchased at www.glo-balls.com

All the winning and short listed photographs from the competition can be viewed at myphoto.nationaltrust.org.uk or at www.timesonline.co.uk/nationaltrustpix.

Competition organiser Antony Westover said: "People enjoy the land that the National Trust cares for in so many ways. From surfing off the stunning beaches in Cornwall and walking in the awe-inspiring Lake District, to a relaxing picnic in rolling parkland or enjoying the flowers in a spectacular garden.

"The recession has led more people to seek out the simple pleasure of spending time with friends and family in the UK's amazing surroundings."