THIS stunning photograph showing a park in all its glory came third in a nationwide photo competition – despite being taken on a mobile phone.

Former University of Worcester student Katie Palmer is now a professional photographer, but was shocked when the photograph, taken in London’s Victoria Park, was shortlisted by the World Photography Organisation in it My UK comeptition.

Ms Palmer, aged 28, who is from Bayton, near Kidderminster, and now lives in Hackney, London, entered the competition after her sister saw it advertised in the Metro newspaper, asking people to submit an image encapsulating what the Great British Winter means to them.

The photograph was shortlisted from than 2,000 entries to make it to the final 15 of the competition.

Following a public vote, it finished third overall.

Ms Palmer, who gained a 2.1 in Creative Digital Media, specialising in digital photography from the University of Worcester, said: “Although I am a photographer it was only taken on my iPhone so I didn’t think I would have much chance of being selected.

“I am honoured to come third in a competition held by the prestigious Worldwide Photography Organisation. “I take photos every day and I hope achieving third position with only an image taken on a mobile phone will encourage more people to be creative with whatever tool for communication they have.”

Ms Palmer, whose parents still live in Bayton, said despite living in London, her countryside roots have hugely inspired her photography work.

She said: “Although I love living in London for the opportunities it has given me for my career, I equally love my countryside roots and this has given me my grounding in my work as a photographer.”

The photograph is now being featured as part of the 2013 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition, at Somerset House, London, until May 12.

The 15 shortlisted images can be viewed online at worldphoto.org/myuk. To see more of Katie’s work, visit k-ography.co.uk.