Powis Castle revealed in all its glory from the air

Shropshire Star photographer Andrew Cunningham captured this stunning image of Powis Castle, near Welshpool, on one of two helicopter trips over the region.

It shows the medieval castle, a National Trust property, rising dramatically above its world-famous garden, overhung with clipped yews, and teeming with rare and tender plants.

Laid out under the influence of Italian and French styles, the 26-acre garden retains its original lead statues and an orangery on the terraces.

And high on a rock above the terraces stands the castle, which dates from the early 13th century.

Remodelled and embellished over more than 400 years, Powis Castle began life as a medieval fortress for Welsh princes. Despite threats from more powerful neighbours in Gwynedd and across the border in Shropshire, they held on to their kingdom.

The trust says: "The castle reflects the changing needs and ambitions of the Herbert family, each generation adding to the magnificent collection of paintings, sculpture, furniture and tapestries."

In this image, you can just make out the lead statue Fame, by Andries Carpentiere, which stands in front of the castle. The coachhouse and coffee shop are on the left.

Powis is one of the few Baroque gardens to have survived almost intact since the 1680s. This picture views the castle from across its grand Italianate terraces, which were blasted from solid rock.