A two-hour drive and lack of sleep did not stop a photographer’s creativity from flowing – and winning a national award.

Hang Ross won the People’s Choice accolade in the Architecture category in the annual British Photography Awards.

Her idyllic photograph shows blooming Sakura cherry blossom draped across land opposite Mount Fuji.

The mountain is a pink backdrop to the glittering lights of the Tokyo-Yokohama area.

Entering the competition for the first time, Hang, 48, from Lyndhurst did not expect to place or even win.

Hang Ross' winning pictureHang Ross' winning picture (Image: Hang Ross) She said: “I am so happy and shocked; this is the first time I have entered the competition.

“This is such a credible award, recognising photographers for their works across 20 different genre categories of photography, with over 25,000 images entered and judged by professional peers.

“I would like to pass on my congratulations and well done to all those that participated and were shortlisted.”

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Hang has previously travelled to Japan to witness the changing colours of the country’s Acers., but always dreamed of seeing the cherry blossom around Mount Fuji.

She said: “I went out in March only to find blossom was two weeks behind forecast and only a few of the trees had blossomed.

“My partner and I then went to France with our son for Easter, but having got back from France I managed to scrape together enough airmiles to jump on a flight back to Tokyo.

“After landing I hired a car and drove two hours directly to Fuji and climbed the steep stairs of the temple for the sunset.

“It was amazing. The blossom was finished within three days due to rain and wind, but it was so beautiful and worth lack of sleep and effort.”

Hang attended a ceremony at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, adding that it was a “fabulous day” to socialise with fellow photographers.

She said: “Most photographers are a modest bunch and hence prefer being on the other side of the camera or like myself in the middle of the New Forest in peace.

“We prefer our work and images to do the talking.

“The British Photography Awards also raise money for many charities and this year helped raise over £20,000.

“My selected charity was the Breast Cancer Haven, a worthwhile cause and something my dearest friend that is sadly no longer with us would appreciate.”