From photographs of a majestic kingfisher playing in the rain to a water vole enjoying a salad lunch, the winners of an annual nature photography competition have been revealed.

Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT) announced the winners of its 2024 nature photography competition, which saw more than 600 entries.

The photographs beautifully captured various species found in Norfolk with Stuart Merchant's photograph of two emperor dragonflies being declared the overall winner.

Runner up, taken by Roman Czajlowski Runner up, taken by Roman Czajlowski (Image: Roman Czajlowski)

Roman Czajlowski's image of a kingfisher in the rain was the runner-up.

The title of best young photographer was awarded to 10-year-old Tyler Hood for his picture of a thick-legged flower beetle.

The competition was judged by NWT staff, who cast a final vote to determine the winner and runner-up.

Eliot Lyne, the chief executive, said: "The standard of entries this year has been incredible.

Best Young Photographer, photo taken by Tyler Hood, aged 10 Best Young Photographer, photo taken by Tyler Hood, aged 10 (Image: Tyler Hood)

"We meet a lot of people on our reserves who have clearly been there for hours, patiently waiting to capture the wildlife on their cameras.

"These photos are the result of that dedication, and we are very lucky to be able to share them further.

"Something I also enjoy about seeing these is the new perspective they bring.

"How often can you get as close to a damselfly as Dave Bloom’s photograph gets you, for example.

Hare in the mist at Thorpe Abbotts. Photograph by Edward Russell Hare in the mist at Thorpe Abbotts. Photograph by Edward Russell (Image: Edward Russell)

"Many of the moments captured in these photos would have lasted less than a second, and it’s a special thing to be able to stop and drink them in."

A free exhibition of the winning and highly commended images will be held in the Atrium at the Forum from September 20 to September 22, as well as at NWT Cley Marshes in the new year.