THIS stunning picture of the South Downs perfectly captures a beautiful summer’s day in Sussex.

For Karen Napleton, it also marked one of the happiest days she has enjoyed so far this year.

The 45-year-old from Brighton is currently recovering from prolonged treatment for breast cancer and has been working to build up her fitness again.

The 10-mile walk she took that day with a close friend was the longest she had managed to cover for the first time in many months and standing up at the top of the Downs made her feel happy to be alive.

The pair were walking along the South Downs Way between Firle and Alfriston and also included Berwick in their journey.

Ms Napleton said: “It was just such a perfect day and I was so happy. It was beautiful countryside and my friend and I had a great chat putting the world to rights and it was just ideal.

“I took the picture and I really loved it. I ended up putting it on my Facebook page as well.

“We all go through things and after all that had been going on, this was a big celebration of life for me.

“I love taking photos and I always have a camera to hand. A couple of days ago I had just left hospital and was having a cup of coffee in my favourite cafe when I saw a copy of The Argus and read about the competition.

“I remembered that it had been last Saturday that I took the photo so the day was right and I decided to send it in.”

One Summer’s Day asked people across Sussex to take a photo on June 25 that summed up just what Sussex and summer means to them.

Entries so far have included wildlife, seagulls, woodland views, bustling city centres, children playing and the Brighton Palace Pier.

The competition is sponsored by photography experts Jessops, who have a store based in North Street, Brighton.

As well as providing the prizes, the company will also be helping with the judging.

There are first, second and third place prises worth a total of £2,500 for adults as well as a junior prize for under 16s.

The closing date for entries is this Friday (July 15) and all photos must have been taken on June 25.