The South Downs National Park astrophotography competition: Winning images revealed

Judges say image 'evokes a wonderful atmosphere and shows just how spectacular the stars can be'

This image captured by Giles Embleton-Smith, called Galactic Bay, won the Starry Skyscapes category of annual South Downs National Park astrophotography competition. PA

At Its Core, by Carl Gough, was runner-up in the Starry Skyscapes category. PA

Heather and Milky Way by Carl Gough, winner of the Nature At Night category. PA

A Sky Full Of Stars by Lorcan Taylor-Hood, runner-up in the Nature At Night category. PA

Harvest Moon Over Racton Ruins by Nathan Hill, winner of the Magnificent Moon category. PA

Full Moon Behind Beachy Head Lighthouse by Giles Embleton-Smith, runner-up in the Magnificent Moon category. PA

The Power Above by Janette Britton, which was highly commended in the South Downs National Park astrophotography competition. PA

There Was A Bear On Litlington Road by Steve Geliot, another highly commended image. PA

Golden Moonrise by Giles Embleton-Smith, also highly commended. PA

Orion Over Black Pond at RSPB Pulborough Brooks by Steve Geliot, also highly commended. PA

A "spell-binding" image of the Milky Way has been announced as the winner of Britain's South Downs National Park astrophotography competition.

The photo, winner in the Starry Skyscapes category, is a night-time image of Cuckmere Haven and the Seven Sisters in East Sussex.

It was captured by Giles Embleton-Smith, from Eastbourne, and is called Galactic Bay.

The winning images will be displayed during the South Downs National Park's Dark Skies Festival, which runs from February 10 to 18.