A TEESDALE artist who spent a decade reproducing 1,500 of Alfred Wainwright's famous Lakeland fells sketches in watercolour, has won a prestigious book award.

Andy Beck, of Bowes, has scooped Outdoor Book of the Year in the Great Outdoors Awards.

The artist spent ten years exploring the area and taking photographs from the same spots where famous fell walker Alfred Wainwright stood for his seven pictorial guides more than 60 years ago.

His publication, The Wainwrights in Colour, was shortlisted in the category for The Great Outdoors Magazine.

Mr Beck, 59, said his “labour of love” was worth it when he was able to print his limited edition book.

Only 5,000 copies have been made available, individually numbered and signed, at 21 independent book shops and so far Mr Beck has sold more than 1,800 copies.

During the course of the project, he undertook two rounds of the 214 Wainwright fells – walking a total of 1,746 miles and ascending 580,000ft.

Mr Beck was one of 13 finalists in the category and was officially informed he had won on Friday although he actually found out on Thursday after one of his friends received her subscription of the magazine a day early.

He said: "The results were announced on Friday which was quite a surprise - I did not believe it and I did not believe it until I saw it.

"I was impressed and surprised to say the least because there were some very good contenders and I know some of them have sold an awful lot more books than me."

Mr Beck has been personally delivering his books to selected bookshops since it was published in May.

It also includes a short film on his adventures and the artist has been giving talks about his experiences – many for charitable causes.

He has also praised his wife, Esther, for her help and support which included proof reading the final copy.

Mr Beck had no formal training as an artist, merely an O-level in art, and is self-taught.

After serving in the RAF until 1988, he opened the Teesdale Gallery in Barnard Castle, which he ran for 20 years until 2013 when he closed it in order to concentrate on completing his project.

The Great Outdoors Magazine’s editor, Emily Rodway, said: “Yet again, we have some fantastic winners in this year’s awards – but every individual, product and organisation shortlisted deserves recognition. Together, they represent the best of what’s on offer to outdoor enthusiasts in 2017."