A teenage photographer has been commended in a wildlife charity's prestigious annual photography competition.

Brooke Haycock, 15, from Uckfield was honoured in the RSPCA's Young Photographer Awards.

He's been taking wildlife pictures since he was 11. Brooke said: "I first got interested by watching some episodes of Springwatch. I wanted to help out the wildlife myself locally so I bought bird boxes and feeders to put out into my garden.

"It made me want to photograph the birds on the feeders and it stemmed from there.

The Argus: Brooke, pictured, has amassed nearly 5,000 followers on InstagramBrooke, pictured, has amassed nearly 5,000 followers on Instagram (Image: Brooke Haycock)

"For me photography is all about being outside and enjoying nature.

"When I’m outside, if that’s hearing the call of a mighty goshawk or watching a wren's breath on a cold winter morning, there is nothing I’d rather be doing than pausing and admiring Mother Nature's creations.

"Wildlife is a safe space for me to breathe and leave my worries of the busy world behind."

Brooke's photo of a little owl was commended after being picked from over 4,000 entries.

He said: “I’m so happy that the judges liked my photo so much.

“I set out into Richmond Park specifically to photograph the little owls. After walking about for a while I heard a little owl calling, I followed the sound until I came upon a glade surrounded by some old oaks.

"I waited in hope that I would spot one and after couple of hours of hiding behind a tree, it all came together when this little owl perched on a gnarly old branch of an oak. Suddenly it turned to look my way and I managed to capture the moment."

His image was commended in the 12-15 year old category.

The Argus: The photograph that won Brooke the commendationThe photograph that won Brooke the commendation (Image: RSPCA)

Brooke said: "I’m lucky to have supportive parents who help me out a lot, if that’s going on a wildlife holiday up to Scotland to photograph otters or taking me around locally to some of my favourite wildlife spots."

Every year, the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards invites youngsters aged 18 years and under to capture the animal kingdom on a camera or a mobile device.

This year’s awards were judged by a panel of experts in wildlife photography, including TV presenter and RSPCA vice president Chris Packham, wildlife photographer Rachel Bigsby and photographic guide Ellie Rothnie.

The winning images across the ten categories were announced during an awards ceremony at the Tower of London.  

Chris Packham, who hosted the awards, said: “This year’s contest was difficult to judge as we received so many superb photographs. 

“We have seen a fantastic array of animals featured across this year’s competition. Every year I am impressed by the level and skill in the photographs that are submitted.

“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.”