IT is an adorable image of a one of the New Forest's most iconic animals.

A donkey dozing in the sunshine in a glorious green field while a tractor trundles past signals spring is in full bloom.

Now the striking picture has won a keen nature lover first place in a popular photography competition.

Suzanne Singleton's 'Dozing in the spring sun' won a record breaking entry of more than 300 photos submitted for the National Park Authority's Seasonal Snaps spring edition.

Over 2,000 people cast their votes on the authority's Facebook page for pictures submitted via the social media site and on Twitter and Instagram.

Suzanne beat competition from second-placed Keith Talbot for his 'Sunrise in Hawkhill Inclosure' and Karen Woodward who came third for her 'Quick! The next bus is due any minute' featuring ponies galloping along a road.

A fourth picture entitled 'fox cub by its den' by Lara Maskell was in fourth place.

Daily Echo:

Quick! The next bus is due any minute by Karen Woodward

Suzanne, 44, from New Milton who is a professional photographer said: “I am very happy. My photo was getting lots of likes on Facebook through the week.

“Donkeys and ponies are the symbol of the New Forest and everyone thinks of them.”

Competition judge Alan Sutton, from Pennington, congratulated the three winners and everyone who took part.

Daily Echo:

Sunrise in Hawkhill Inclosure by Keith Talbot 

He said: “The quality has risen yet again this year and the subject matter submitted showed impressive diversity.

“To me, spring is a time of new life and Lara's photo fits this brief perfectly, as well as being very well captured, making her a worthy judges' pick.

Daily Echo:

Fox cub in its den by Lara Maskell

The winners will receive a range of prizes including a family ticket to Beaulieu National Motor Museum, family passes on the New Forest Tour, a meal at The Pig in Brockenhurst, or an overnight stay in New Park Manor.

Seasonal snaps takes place four times a year and entry dates are available by visiting www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/seasonalsnaps.