Sidmouth photographer Kyle Baker has won first prize in a competition to find the best emerging visual artists in the South West.

Kyle entered his photo of the Aurora Borealis and Milky Way over Jacob’s Ladder in the Thelma Hulbert Gallery’s Open 23 exhibition of contemporary art and photography.

Sidmouth Herald: Kyle's winning photo, taken at 3.30am earlier this year when the Aurora Borealis was visible over

There was an awards ceremony at the exhibition preview on Saturday, September 2, and Kyle was announced as winner of the ‘best emerging artist under 25’ category.

He was presented with a plant and a bottle of bubbly, and also wins a solo exhibition of his work at the Honiton gallery next year.

Kyle said: “I don’t often enter competitions but after taking this image earlier in the year I had several messages and comments about getting it entered into competitions and galleries etc. 

“I saw that the Thelma Hulbert had an Open Exhibition competition so thought I would give it a go! 

“I can’t believe it, over 400 entries and I won the under 25 category! 

“Now I have to start planning for next year, it will most likely feature my Night Scapes and Waves, a specialty and favourite of mine!”

He added: “The Gallery is definitely worth a visit, it is free to enter and there is a wide range of talent!”

The THG Open exhibition is open until Saturday, October 28.