These stunning pictures which showcase the ‘beauty and variety’ of east Suffolk have been selected as the best taken by the regions’ photographers.

%image(15243955, type="article-full", alt="The winning picture was from Mike Whitby of Woodbridge Picture: MIKE WHITBY")

East Suffolk Council's third annual photo competition saw nearly 200 amateur and professional photographers submit their best snaps.

%image(15243956, type="article-full", alt="Richard Sagom of Oulton Broad picked up third place Picture: RICHARD SAGOM")

Mike Whitby of Woodbridge took first prize in the competition, with Tony Pick of Thorpeness in second and Oulton Broad's Richard Sagom completing the top three.

%image(15243957, type="article-full", alt="The sun shines through in Clare Grasby's picture Picture: CLAIRE GRASBURY")

The top three and highly commended entries will each be rewarded with a shopping voucher.

%image(15243958, type="article-full", alt="This port picture from Kevin Jay will be rewarded with a shopping voucher Picture: KEVIN JAY")

The entries were judged by councillors Stephen Burroughes and Letitia Smith, who said in a statement: "We received almost 200 entries this year and the outstanding quality of the photos made choosing the winners a difficult task.

%image(15243959, type="article-full", alt="James Allen was highly commended for this owl shot Picture: JAMES ALLEN")

"All the entries showcased the beauty and variety of east Suffolk. However, we felt the winning photos captured something extra special.

%image(15243960, type="article-full", alt="The pictures showcased the "beauty and variety" of east Suffolk, including this effort from Chris Lee Picture: CHRIS LEE")

"We would like to thank everyone who took part and we look forward to running the competition again in the future."

%image(15243961, type="article-full", alt="Rhianna Wren from Beccles was also commended by judges Picture: RHIANNA WREN")