What better way to celebrate the first day of 2013 than on a bracing visit to the Brighton seaside. With my only New Year’s Resolution being ‘gratitude’, I was blessed to tiptoe on the cobbled beach and take some stunning shots that capture the beauty of today’s extremely welcome (although unusual, given the recent torrential rain the UK has suffered) and benign sunshine.

The winter sunlight is putting a smile on our faces

The waves are frisky and a real treat to run in and out of (in spite of the cold!)

The sunset captures the boat in its shape and shadow

Catching the last rays on a sunny and magical New Year’s Day

The sunset says its first goodbye of 2013