A photographer captured the imagination of thousands with a stunning picture of “pony heaven”.

Horsham resident Joe James was watching the sun set over Cissbury Ring with son Simon when he took his prize-winning photo.

The 38-year-old security manager won the South Downs National Park people’s choice award with 70 per cent of the vote, beating ten other contenders. The picture was just a bit of fun initially – I was trying out my new camera,” he said.

“We went up to Cissbury Ring and saw these ponies gathering around the tree.

“I just thought it was a perfect moment so I captured it straight away.

“As the sun went down my son and I listened to What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong on Spotify.”