A photograph of the Milky Way in all its glory has claimed the top prize in an astrophotography competition organised by the South Downs National Park.

       'Snow in Springtime', shot by Neil Jones, captured the starry sky above St Mary's Church near Upwaltham in West Sussex. The photo won the award in the Dark Skyscapes category.

       Tiffany Francis-Baker, one of the judges of the competition, said: "I think it’s a really charming night-time picture of the South Downs – very beautifully composed."

       Dan Oakley, another judge, said: "It’s understated. You could see this amazing view of the South Downs at night on a Christmas card."

       While Graham Bryant, a third judge and fellow of the Royal Astronomical society, said: "I like the arching of the Milky Way and how well framed it is. It’s got a serenity about it which I rather like."

       The runner-up in the category went to 'Valley of Stars', shot by Michael Harris, which shows a night-time view of Devil's Dyke, near Brighton.

       Commenting on the photo, Ms Francis-Baker said: "I just want to dive into this picture – it really encapsulates the South Downs National Park for me."

       In the Living Dark Skies category, the judges crowned 'Stargazing' by Pablo Rodriguez as the winner. The image captures a walker gazing at the night sky from the Seven Sisters cliffs near Eastbourne.

       Ms Francis-Baker described the archway in the image as "amazing", and added that the "colours are beautiful".

       Meanwhile, entrants in the final category had the capture of the magnificence of the moon or the milky way.

       The winner of the category was 'Towering Super Moon' by Richard Murray, which shows the moon rising behind the Vandalian Tower near South Harting.

       Commenting on the image, Mr Bryant said: "The moon rises fairly quickly, so clearly this photographer has thought about this and got into the right position at just the right moment. Another five minutes and you would not be able to get this shot."

       Ms Francis-Baker said she loved the "wobbly edge of the moon". "It’s nice that it looks natural and I love the big expansive sky with the birds flying," she said.

       Mr Oakley added: "It’s quite a simple picture to take. This shows you can get out in the National Park with a camera and take a really amazing photograph in 30 seconds."

       The South Downs National Park is one of 19 International Dark Sky Reserves, recognising it as one of the best and most accessible places in the world to see immense views of the cosmos.

       The winners were awarded prizes of ￡100, while the runners-up received ￡75.