A new book championing the glorious scenery of the Wiltshire countryside has been published by a former chief photographer of the Gazette & Herald and the Wiltshire Times.

Diane Vose is now a landscape photographer who loves to capture on camera the timeless beauty and atmosphere of the Wiltshire countryside.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns she photographed the varied county of Wiltshire, which boasts two world heritage sites at Stonehenge and Avebury.

Her new book, Wiltshire in Photographs, has 126 illustrations and 128 pages and was published on February 15 at £17.99 by Amberley Publishing in Stroud.

Diane, 49, who lives in Edington, says: “These magnificent monuments have fascinated people for thousands of years and continue to draw millions of visitors from across the world.

“There is a vast array of other Neolithic sites in the county including Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow.

“Together with its impressive heritage, Wiltshire is known for its beautiful landscape, almost half of the county is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

“Salisbury Plain covers 300 square miles and is famous for its archaeology, although it is now used mainly for military training and is closed to the public which makes it an impressive wildlife haven.”

She added: “Being a former press photographer who travelled extensively while on photographic assignments, I was as much captivated by the Wiltshire towns and villages I encountered as I was by the magical landscape I travelled through.”

In her book, Diane captures the spirit, essence and identity of Wiltshire in a series of exceptional images, taken between December 2018 and January 2020.

Her favourite is a dramatic shot of the Westbury White Horse in a storm, which she entered in the national Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards in 2020.

She says the stunning visual treasury in her book highlights the history and variety of places to be found in Wiltshire and reveals how it is a place where the past and present work in perfect harmony.

“White horses, carved into the chalk hillsides, are a symbol of Wiltshire at locations including Westbury, Cherhill, Devizes, Alton Barnes, Pewsey and Marlborough.

“The city of Salisbury has its medieval cathedral while dotted throughout the county are historic market towns and charming picturesque villages.

“Places such as Lacock and Castle Combe are popular filming locations and visitors will recognise the gold stone cottages, pretty bridges and quaint high streets.

“Taken throughout the seasons, these pictures reflect the scenic splendour, rich heritage and contrasting treasures of this enchanting county.”

She adds: “Wiltshire in Photographs is a superb collection of images that will appeal to residents and visitors alike.”

To purchase, go to www.dianevosephotography.co.uk or visit local bookshops, tourist attractions and heritage sites.

The book is being stocked by WH Smith, Waterstones and Amazon, as well as museums in Chippenham, Devizes and Salisbury, Devizes Books, the White Horse book shop in Marlborough and the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre in Chippenham.