A St Dogmaels photographer has scooped a coveted newcomers trophy thanks to his stunning image of a poppy about to bloom.

Stuart Hall snapped up the New Shoots title in the 2015 International Garden Photographer of the Year awards.

Stuart was delighted with his win and hopes it will be the first of many.

“It was great news and I'm hoping to enter this year’s competition as well,” said Stuart.

“My family, especially my children were as excited about the news as I was. I might be able to convert them to photography yet.”

Stuart was inspired to take up photography after picking up a book by the great American landscape photographer Ansel Adams in his school library.

After being blown away by Adams’ images of the American Midwest, Stuart began collecting portfolios by other photographers such as Joe Cornish and Fay Goodwin.

“I pretty much like to photograph anything that catches my eye be that nature, still life, or documentary but I do concentrate particularly on landscape photography," said Stuart.

“In Wales we are surrounded by a rich variety of terrain from rugged hills, deep green moss covered valleys to dramatic coastline and sandy dunes. Arrive at any of these locations with the right lighting which could be sunrise or sunset but equally stormy, rainy conditions and they come to life with added drama.”

Photography remains a creative outlet for Stuart but he does manage to make a little pocket money from his hobby and keeps up to date with the latest developments by reading photography magazines.

It was in one such publication that he saw the competition, which sees entries from all around the world

Encouraging anyone to have a go at photography, he said: “If you have a creative streak photography is an easily accessible hobby with cameras and lenses to suit all budgets.

“It’s a great way to develop creativity and at the same time encourages you to get out and about in all weathers to discover new locations and enjoy the great countryside we have around us.

"You can also enter competitions and sometimes get lucky.”