A STUNNING image of a freight train curving through the countryside as it approaches a sunlit Ribblehead Viaduct has won the Network Rail Lines in the Landscape Award at this year’s Take A View Landscape Photographer of the Year competition.

The photograph, taken by Robert France from Lancaster, was judged the best of about 500 images that captured Britain’s extensive rail network and its relationship with the landscape.

Robert said: “I am delighted to have won this prestigious award.

"Ribblehead Viaduct is a magnificent structure surrounded by beautiful countryside, and I was very lucky to capture it in the last rays of winter sun, complete with an approaching train.”

Competition founder and renowned landscape photographer, Charlie Waite, said: “Robert’s image was a clear winner for me this year.

"The strong arc of the train provides a perfect lead-in to the majesty of the viaduct and the slanting, evening light sculpts beautiful shapes in the surrounding landscape.

"The cooler colour of the freight cars is also key and provides an accent to the warm tones of the overall picture. The juxtaposition of modern track and train with the Victorian structure brings to mind both the history of Britain’s railways and their evolution.”

David Biggs, managing director of property at Network Rail, said: "This competition celebrates something very special – the beauty of our country’s coasts, cities and countryside, much of which can be viewed or visited by our rail network.

"Ribblehead Viaduct has been carrying freight for more than 140 years, and Robert has captured just how beautiful this amazing Victorian masterpiece is, and it helps tell the story of how important such structures are in carrying both people and products to their destinations."

As the winner, Robert will have the opportunity to take up an exclusive visit to Britain’s favourite railway landmark, the Forth Rail Bridge in Scotland. Here, weather permitting, he will have ample opportunity to photograph the 125-year old bridge from areas not accessible to the general public.

Network Rail will also arrange for him to take the engineers’ lift to the top of this iconic structure to capture some amazing views of the Forth and see the bridge from a completely different perspective.

The best images from this year's competition will be displayed at an exhibition at London Waterloo Station from November 23.