THE prize winners of the Dark Skies Festival photography competition have been announced by the North York Moors National Park.

A winner and runner-up have been chosen from more than 100 images.

Grosmont resident and amateur photographer Brinton Darnell won the competition with his evocative shot of Whitby lighthouse as the beams of light shine across the sea under starry skies.

Meanwhile Kirsty Johnson, of Castleton, took a picture of star trails above Castleton which scooped her the runners-up prize. Both entrants receive sports equipment and clothing courtesy of Columbia Sportswear.

Judge Steve Bell, a Helmsley astro-photographer, said: “I loved the cast of light from the lighthouse onto the water in Brinton’s photograph, plus what looks like the moon starting to appear in the horizon provided a great depth of field.

“Kirsty’s image was her first attempt at taking a star trail photograph.

“For this reason alone, together with the fact that she captured the night sky against the ruggedness of the moors meant she deserved a runners-up place.”