A picture of the remains of a shipwrecked trawler on a Norfolk beach has been declared the Britain's best sea view.

Eastern Daily Press: Dave Peake's picture of a rockpool in Cornwall.Dave Peake's picture of a rockpool in Cornwall. (Image: ©Dave Peake)

Ipswich-based graphic designer and photographer Justin Minns's picture of the keel of the steam trawler Sheraton, near Hunstanton cliffs, won a national photography competition organised by one of the UK's oldest maritime charities, the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society.

'I took the photo at sunset, June 2012,' said Mr Minns. 'I was drawn to photograph this scene because I liked the textures of the rust and barnacles on the wreck and the shape of it jutting out of the calm water.

'It almost seems like the eroding hull of the ship echoes the plight of the cliffs it lies next to demonstrating the power of the sea.'

The competition, which attracted more than 400 entries, was judged by Matt Havercroft, editor of Discover Britain Magazine, Kate Westaway, a marine photographer and TV producer, and Commodore Malcolm Williams, the charity's chief executive.

Eastern Daily Press: Gary Cox's image of Porthcawl Lighthouse, in South Wales.Gary Cox's image of Porthcawl Lighthouse, in South Wales. (Image: © Gary Cox)

The runner up images were submitted by Dave Peake from Devon, with his photo taken half underwater in Kingsand rock pool in Cornwall, and Gary Cox from Gloucester with his photo of Porthcawl Lighthouse in Bridgend, Wales.

Judge Kate Westaway, said: 'Justin's picture was fantastic, it stood out to me when I initially looked at the pictures and it also immediately stood out to the other judges. It really does give you a sense of our relationship with the sea and how cruel it can be.'

Shipwrecked Mariners' Society chief executive and fellow judge Commodore Malcolm Williams said: 'The work seafarers do to provide us with food and other necessities to ensure our standard of living is extremely important to the UK as an island nation. This competition is a great way to celebrate our commitment to those who dedicate their lives to the sea. I would like to thank all those who took part.'

The Charity, which is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, provides financial support and information to retired seafarers in need, and also to those injured or too ill to continue working at sea.

In the last year the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society handled 650 new applications for assistance and distributed £1.4m across 2,200 cases of need.

Where do you think is Norfolk's best sea view? E-mail chris.bishop@archant.co.uk.