It is a romantic Broadland image, promising Norfolk visitors a relaxing stay in one of the country's most beautiful and heritage-steeped counties.

The pretty scene of a sailboat resting peacefully on the calm, glass-like waters of the river Thurne nestled near one of the area's historic windmills draped in early morning mist has been chosen as an image to welcome tourists touching down at Norwich International airport.

Captured by Oulton Broad resident Gary Horner, the impressive shot has been judged as one of the winners of the EDP's photography competition, held in association with the airport, which challenged budding snappers to enter images they thought would inspire visitors to stay and enjoy the best of what Norfolk has to offer.

His blown-up image will now take pride of place in the airport's arrival terminal.

The competition also asked for another photograph, to be taken at a striking global location which can be reached from flights leaving Norwich International, to be displayed in its departures terminal as a way of exciting travellers about their up-coming travels.

The winning image by Bob Frewin, of Dersingham, near Hunstanton, shows beautiful deep blue sea peeping around a massive cliff arch on the sunny isle of Gozo, near Malta.

EDP chief photographer Steve Adams said: 'Home or away, these entries prove that Norfolk really has winning talent. I never tire of seeing images of this beautiful county, and the stunning image of the yacht on the Thurne shows a beautiful scene that many of us never get to see at that time. I admire Gary's dedication in getting up early to get just the right shot.'

Andrew Bell, chief executive of Norwich International airport, said: 'We've been amazed by the number and quality of entries we had for this competition and choosing winners was extremely difficult. Our aim was to showcase the best of both Norfolk's beautiful countryside and some of the exotic destinations on offer from the airport. The idea of using photography from readers of the EDP seemed like a natural choice.'

Mr Horner, 40, who also won a luxurious stay at the Sprowston Manor Marriott Hotel, said he oftens creeps out of the house in the early hours to capture the vivid reflections off the river Thurne at sunrise. His winning image was taken in September.

'It's good for sunrises and for trying to get reflections. But you have to get just the right balance of light and make sure the wind is 3mph or less otherwise it won't work. Then if you get the composition right, you know it's going to turn out okay,' he said.

Mr Horner, who has also had images published in magazines and calendars, now works for Gorleston-based Dawson Energy and has been asked to put his skills of photographing Norfolk's famous windmills to use by taking images of the company's wind turbines.

It was a holiday to Malta which supplied Mr Frewin, 61, with his winning shot which was taken about four years ago.

On hearing that his image had been chosen, he said: 'My first reaction was I wondered if they had got the wrong picture!'

The Hunstanton Camera Club member added: 'I really am quite a keen photographer.

'I don't often go out without a camera in my pocket.'

As part of his prize, Mr Frewin also got a Fuji S2800 14 megapixel camera with which to take his next snaps.

Runners-up in the Norfolk image category were Neal Gardner with his photograph, Autumn Walkers at Felbrigg, and another scene of reflections on the river Thurne from Mr Horner. Runners-up in the International category were Lynne Craske, with Saltmarshes in Turkey, and Stan Groom, with Limone on Lake Garda.

Click on our photo gallery to see more of the competition entries.