A PICTURE of one of Teesdale’s iconic beauty spots has been crowned winner of an amateur photography competition.

Photographers who live within 20 miles of the Morritt Hotel in Greta Bridge could enter the Spirit of Teesdale contest, which was organised by Morritt owners Barbara Johnson and her husband Peter Phillips to celebrate their 20 year ownership of the hotel.

Twelve pictures were shortlisted from more than 60 entries, with North East photographer, Richard Jemison, selecting the winning photograph.

Television antiques specialist, David Harper, of Barnard Castle, then announced the winners at a prize presentation on Sunday, November 9.

The winning photograph, A View of High Force, was taken by Gary Richardson, of Lingfield Point in Darlington, who won an overnight stay with dinner and use of the hotel’s Garage Spa.

He said: “I am delighted to have won. Photography is a bit of an obsession with me.”

Mr Jemison added: “It was very difficult to judge. The quality was high and the variety of subjects vast in what is still a largely undiscovered dale.”

Ms Johnson said the twelve finalists have been used in a Morritt 2015 calendar which is being sold to raise funds for St Teresa’s Hospice in Darlington.

Second place went to Richard Laidler of Richmond and third to Chris Morse of Barnard Castle.

To view the photographs visit www.themorritt.co.uk

You can also buy calendars at the hotel for £7.50 each.