IT HAS been a debut to remember for the winner of the Swindon Advertiser Framing Wiltshire competition.

The winning photo is Silbury Hill in the Snow, taken by Marc Henley. He wins £500 cash plus his photograph framed. He will also spend a day with an Adver photographer.

The competition, sponsored by BMI The Ridgeway Hospital, was the first he had entered so to win was something of a shock.

Marc, 39, of Stratton, is an artist and designer by trade and originally started taking photos as part of his job, but it has since become his new passion.

He said: “I’m obviously very pleased but it is not something I expected to win.

“I was on holiday in Cornwall when I found out so it was a nice surprise. I’m looking forward to going out with a photographer for the day because it could be very interesting.

“I have been doing photography on and off for a number of years now as part of my job.”

Silbury Hill, one of Wiltshire’s famous ancient landmarks, was the subject of the winning photo, an area which Marc regularly finds himself drawn to.

He said: “It is a lovely part of the county and often I find myself heading there when I am looking for inspiration.

“When the weather is interesting it can make for some great photos. Wiltshire has some very subtle landscapes which contrast with more dramatic places like the Lake District.”

In second place is the photo of Marlborough High Street, taken by Keith Smith. He wins £250 cash and his photograph framed.

In third place is the photo of The Diving Board at Coate Water taken by Henry Maria. He wins £100 plus a copy of his photograph framed.

BMI The Ridgeway Hospital has been providing private healthcare to the local community for over 25 years and is serious about health and passionate about care.