AN image of a couple holding hands while their beloved dogs gaze up at them has been selected as a perfect example of love in a national competition in Britain.

    The photograph, taken by Michael Berwick, of Eastbourne, features Michael’s parents, Ian, 62, and Karen Berwick, 57, holding hands as their beloved dogs, Poppy and Ruby, look at them.

    The image was taken as the couple celebrated their 30th anniversary and features the couple’s hands in the foreground, aged with time and symbolic of enduring love, while their house and garden, other treasured assets in their lives, sit in the background.

    Michael, 30, entered the photograph, called “Together,” in the third annual Love Captured photography contest, run by eHarmony.co.uk.

    He fought off competition from more than 1,000 entries to be named the winner, scooping a grand prize worth £2,500 (US$3,063).

    Michael said, “The moment came quite naturally, as anyone who has pets can attest to photos involving dogs are hard to arrange artificially!

    “With the sun streaming in and my parents sat together on their anniversary in their garden — which is their pride and joy and they built side by side — it’s a great symbol of romance standing the test of time.

    “It’s amazing to hear that my photo was chosen as the 2016 Love Captured competition winner — it’s a moment I’m very glad to have captured.”

    The company asked the nation to submit photographs demonstrating what “love” means to them.

    eHarmony U.K. country manager Romain Bertrand said, “As this year’s competition closes, we’re thrilled to have seen so many fantastic and imaginative entries.

    “At eHarmony we’re experts at connecting the right people to create happy relationships built to last.

    “We also know that love comes in many forms. It’s truly inspiring to see such a wide range of photos that demonstrate the different ways people see love across the U.K.”(SD-Agencies)