A patient photographer who managed to capture two kingfishers sitting together in a Suffolk landscape has won a competition.

Ipswich Star: (L-R) Peter Cox, president of Ipswich & District Photographic Society; Roger Fern; Charles Whitfield King; and Lynda Robinson Ipswich & District Photographic Society competition secretary. Picture: CHARLES WHITFIELD KING(L-R) Peter Cox, president of Ipswich & District Photographic Society; Roger Fern; Charles Whitfield King; and Lynda Robinson Ipswich & District Photographic Society competition secretary. Picture: CHARLES WHITFIELD KING (Image: 2016 C.Whifield King)

Charles Whitfield King’s picture was picked by outgoing Mayor of Ipswich Roger Fern out of more than 500 images on display at an Ipswich & District Photographic Society exhibition to receive the coveted Mayor’s Cup.

Mr Whitfield King, of Bramford Road, Ipswich, took the photo at Lackford Lakes near Bury St Edmunds, which he said was one the best locations to see kingfishers from the many hides there.

He added: “Perseverance and having a lot of patience is a virtue because you could be sitting there all day waiting for them.

“Very often photographing two birds can be a difficult shot to take as one will more than likely be out of focus. I was lucky on this occasion.”

Mr Whitfield King said the same photograph had been accepted in a national exhibition.

Mr Fern said: “It was extremely difficult to choose just one picture out of so many beautiful and artistic works, but in my opinion the recipient of the Mayor’s Cup was a worthy winner this year to be able to capture two kingfishers at the same time.”