An 18-year-old from Bolton has been commended for her picture of her dog in the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards.

Amy Wrigley entered her image, "Sleepy reflections", in the "16-18 mobile" category of the competition, hosted by wildlife broadcaster Chris Packham, and was commended by judges.

Every year, the awards invites young people aged 18 years and under to capture the animal kingdom on a camera or a mobile device.

Amy said: “I took this photo of my dog Jessie while she was sleeping on our garden table – it was a hot afternoon, and she loves to sunbathe on any surface that the sun hits.

“I specifically took this image because I thought that it was amusing how she was lying with her head on a book. But I also liked how clear her reflection on the table was and how perfect the light was hitting her, which framed her perfectly within the contrast of the shadows.”

As well as RSPCA president Packham, this year’s awards were judged by a panel of experts in wildlife photography, including wildlife photographer Rachel Bigsby, former competition winner-turned-professional photographer Catriona Parfitt; professional wildlife photographer and photographic guide Ellie Rothnie and RSPCA photographers Andrew Forsyth and Emma Jacobs.

Packham said: “Seeing children and young people express their connection to the natural world through these photographs is always so heartening to see, and this year I was blown away by how many superb photographs we received for the competition.

“The RSPCA Young Photographer Awards is a real celebration of animals and the natural world, and I love taking part every year.

“I hope everyone who entered continues with their love of animals and photography and they should all be proud of their achievements.

“Next year, we hope to reach even more children through the Young Photographer Awards as the RSPCA celebrates its milestone 200th year.”

The RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2024 opens for entry in May and the charity hopes it will be an even bigger and better competition to coincide with the RSPCA’s 200th anniversary.

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.