A YOUNG wildlife photographer has scooped a top prize in recognition of his camera talents.

Joshua Kneale, nine, from Beechingstoke, was runner-up in the Under 12 category at the RSCPA Young Photographer Awards.

The rushall schoolboy won praise with his colourful shot of a Five-Spot Burnet moth.

He said: "I took this photo in my garden in Wiltshire. This summer we had many species of moths and butterflies. I was lucky enough to spot a five-spot burnet resting on this flower.

“I like the metallic black on the body and the symmetrical red spots. It really s

tands out against the white petals.”

Joshua shares his hobby with older brother Jake, who won a commendation in the 12-15 year old category of the same competition last year for his shot of a House Spider, the Tegenaria Domestica.

Competition judge and Springwatch presenter Chris Packham said: “It’s nice to see so many photos of day-to-day animals in such a strong competition. It needs real imagination to make commonplace species interesting, showing that the photographer has been really innovative."

This year children aged under 19 were tasked with capturing the animal kingdom using a camera of mobile phone.

For a full gallery of the winning images please visit: https://young.rspca.org.ukypa/galleries