A north Norfolk photographer has snapped up top prize in a prestigious national competition run by Professional Photographer magazine, for his image of a Cotswolds coffin maker.

A north Norfolk photographer has snapped up top prize in a prestigious national competition run by Professional Photographer magazine, for his image of a Cotswolds coffin maker.

David Morris, who lives at Cromer, beat off competition from nearly 5,000 other photographers from all over the UK, bagging the �1,000 first prize in the portrait category of the awards and being named overall winner.

His photograph, of octogenarian coffin maker Selwyn Sly in his workshop at Northleach was taken as part of an ongoing project on artists and artisans.

It was chosen from more than 12,000 images, with picture taken by David of waves breaking over sea defences at Sheringham also shortlisted in the landscape category.

"Getting the title was a stunning bit of news, and I still can't believe it," David said. "I was also really pleased to be chosen in the landscape category as I've been back to the same spot at Sheringham so many times it's become addictive."

"The north Norfolk coast can be quite difficult to photograph because there are a lot of mud cliffs which aren't very inspiring, but, living here for a while, you get to spot the potential and the more times you go back, the more you see."

Yorkshire-born David studied graphic design and photography at Hull College of Art before working for a number of London advertising agencies. He went on to teach graphic design and advertising for 10 years and, since moving to Cromer in 2003, has divided his time between working as a visiting lecturer at universities in the UK and in Italy with concentrating on his own work.

Subjects range from snooker players to cityscapes, with current projects including a series of pictures for a book on the lives of Cromer fishermen.

"I love all kinds of photography," David said. "But I particularly like taking pictures of faces with character as, when it is reduced to black and white, the quality of light you can get in the eyes and on the face can make a stunning image."

To Whom It May Concern: see more of David's work, visit www.davidmorrisphotographer.com David's winning image is featured in this month's issue of Professional Photographer magazine.