AN ULVERSTON amateur photographer is taking on the world after having three of his pictures shortlisted in an international competition.

Jason Hudson, a retired police officer, has three entries in the Weather Photographer of the Year competition.

The competition, run by The Royal Meteorological Society, has selected 30 finalists for this year’s competition.

Almost 4,000 photographs were submitted, creating a challenging task for the selectors to narrow down the best images to be awarded prizes and be part of the Weather Photographer of the Year exhibition.

And his images - The Ridge, Rainbow in Torridin and Drama on the Plains - are among those shortlisted.

Jason said: "I see myself as a keen amateur so to have three picture shortlisted is just incredible. I would have been happy with just one.

"I was staggered but absolutely delighted. I have been taking pictures for four years and did do some promotional work, but I prefer to stay as a keen amateur.

"I love taking pictures and the weather provides some spectacular and dramatic images.

"I'm really looking forward to the ceremony and to talking to the other nominees. It will be a great event."

The prize winners and the overall Weather Photographer of the Year 2018 will be announced at the RMetS event WeatherLive - an extreme weather conference to explore the severe weather events and climates around the world. The event takes place in November 2018.

Trish Mikita, Vice President of sponsor Accuweather, said “It was an honour to be a selector in this year’s competition and to see the images that people from around the world submitted, representing their unique observations and perceptions of weather,” she said. “The best photographs can so vividly capture both the grand majesty of weather events and their profound impact on our lives.”

To view all of the short-listed images and cast your vote visit: www.weather-photo.org and follow the link to vote.