HERE are some amazing aerial views of a well-known Bolton beauty spot.

These incredible images of Rivington were captured using a drone by reader, Andrew Coward, who is a member of our Bolton News Camera Club.

Here we have the pike, pigeon tower, terraced gardens, Liverpool Castle and Japanese Gardens as you’ve never seen them before.

Mr Coward, of Makinson Avenue, Horwich, studied Fine Art at the Cumbria Institute of the Arts and took up photography in 2015, progressing to drone photography at the end of 2017 with his DJI Phantom 4 pro drone.

He said: “I always thought of drones as having a military application and nothing more, but their uses are quite varied from land surveying to film production.

“I was amazed at the quality of the footage you could get, even from a hobby drone; both video and stills. I decided to supplement my photography with the drone work as well.”

“Many people think of a drone as something you pick and play, but it’s actually harder than you think. It does take a lot of practice and honing your skills to get the best out of your drone.

“Unlike a DSLR Camera, there are more variables to consider when planning a trip out with one, things like; wind and rain can put a total stop to any drone work, which is frustrating but it’s just another learning curve you work around.

“I am more than happy with the shots I’ve done so far. I think what draws people in, is looking at a familiar subject from a completely different perspective.

“We only really appreciate images from ground level, once you take to the air it can be a very liberating and amazing experience.

“I also enjoy the documenting aspect of drone photography, the birds eye view shots, like the Liverpool Castle ruins and the lower lagoon, are my favourites so far. It’s a way, not only for people to enjoy a different perspective on a subject but also, it’s a way of preserving the view for future reference.”

While Mr Coward’s captured some spectacular snowy views of Rivington over recent weeks, he admits to the conditions being slightly unfavourable.

The 37-year-old, who works as a shop assistant, added: “My biggest problem, at the minute is the weather. Being winter, it really is harder to get out with the drone. I’m looking to the spring and summer months when I hopefully will be getting out more and really exploring what this drone is capable of.

“It’s a very exciting time to be in this type of work. The drone community is slowly growing and it can only get better.”

Mr Coward’s photos got us thinking - have any of our other readers captured a rarely-seen view of Bolton? Maybe you’ve had privileged access to to one of the town’s interesting old buildings, or snapped a side of the town that others may be unaware of.

Send your images to webdesk@theboltonnews.co.uk

Join The Bolton News Camera Club via facebook.com/BNCameraClub