Young talent wins grand prize in BWC photography c

The results of the British Wildlife Centre’s (BWC) Native & Natural Photography Competition 2011 are announced. Congratulations to Jamie Holme, age 12, not only the winner of the Junior Category but also the competition’s Overall Winner for this beautiful shot of one of the Centre’s water voles.

The judging panel, BWC owner David Mills, Head Keeper Matt Binstead and multi-award winning wildlife photographer Andy Rouse, had no easy task due to the number and standard of images submitted. Matt commented: "We saw many entries of the water vole this year, but this one leaped out to us as a contender. The close crop works really well to provide a different view of this adorable British mammal, with his paw holding the rush whilst eating really making it for us."

Jamie’s twin passions of wildlife and photography were evident from an early age. He got his first camera at the age of 8 and was lucky enough to practice his skills on a South African safari. Since then he’s a been a regular visitor to the BWC, where he can get closer to the wildlife for some excellent shots. “I was so excited to win the Junior category, I can't believe I won the big prize, there were some fantastic photographs entered”, said Jamie, who’s thrilled with the grand prize – a 1 to 1 photographic session at the British Wildlife Centre with his hero Andy Rouse.

This 2012 competition is now open to entries, details are on www.britishwildlifecentre.co.uk. So, if you would like to put your wildlife photo skills to the test with over 40 native species, the Centre is the place to go, open during half term: Saturday 11th February to Sunday 19th February 2012.