A PHOTOGRAPHER from Cricklade has captured the perfect sunrise shot, after patiently spending more than a year setting it up.

Damien Davis spent months planning a photo of the rare sight of the sun rising through the arch at Durdle Door in Lulworth Cove, Dorset.

He was absolutely thrilled when he managed to capture the picture, and has since been featured in several national newspapers because of it.

"I am delighted with the photo," said Damien. "As we approach the winter solstice the sun is at its most southerly position, which means it can be viewed rising through the archway from the beach.

"However, as the steps down to the beach have eroded away, only the most keen and enthusiastic photographers - and occasionally some fishermen - make it down to the beachfront."

Damien went on to say there was only a limited window of opportunity as the sun only rises through the arch for a few days. Also, with the unpredictable British weather, it is something rarely seen.

"You literally need the right weather - not too much cloud - and time it somewhere during the first two weeks in December," he added.

Damien's photo has since been published in The Times, The Express and The Mirror.