A photographer has received an award for a picture he took of his favourite tree in Harpenden.

Peter Stevens’ picture of a tree in Rothampstead Park was named as highly commended in the tree category of the International Garden Photographer of the Year Competition.

He said: “I was pleased really because it is quite a prestigious event.

“I think it is the simplicity of the photo. The tree set against the snow made it appear like a pencil sketch.

“It had just started to snow so I just grabbed my camera and went.

“I was the first there and there was no one else around so it was calm.”

The keen photographer took several snaps around the park in December 2010, and one of his other shots won a ribbon at the Royal Photographic Society Print exhibition.

Mr Stevens, who is now retired, has always had a passion for photography and has set up workshops in the area.

He said: “I am a very active photographer.

“It is a very serious hobby.”

Selected pictures from the competition will now feature in a book and as part of a touring exhibition, and Mr Stevens hopes that his Harpenden shot will be selected.