WITNESS the magic of Essex through the eyes of photographers from across the county.

The #InstaEssex exhibition launches today at Jaywick Martello Tower.

The photography competition saw amateurs and professionals share their visual idea of what Essex culture means to them.

All winning 15 images were on display at London Liverpool Street rail station before touring Essex.

Their final home is Martello Tower where they are being exhibited until July 9 alongside second place winner Matthew Mallett’s Fun in the Sun on Clacton Beach photo.

The Tendring photographer has a passion for landscape imagery often shot in the golden hours around sunrise and sunset.

Fun in the Sun on Clacton Beach depicts everything Matthew finds is great about the town - sunshine and bright blue skies, fun, and the sight of the Red Arrows - a regular August visitor to Clacton.

#InstaEssex was organised by Essex County Council’s cultural development team in partnership with Network Rail, Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership, Abellio Greater Anglia, and other local authorities.

Families are also invited to join in a funky arts session inspired by the competition.

A free drop-in workshop to help create a 3D photomontage using shapes punched from colour copies of the winning photographs, Essex landmarks and maps, takes place on May 27 from 11am until 3pm.

Martello Tower is open Wednesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday’s between 10am until 5pm.