A YOUNGSTER from Worcestershire has been shortlisted for an award after entering an animal-themed photography competition.

Stephanie Hencher, aged 12, of Fleetwood Avenue, Powick, near Worcester, is one of four aspiring young Midlands snappers shortlisted for the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2004.

The Dyson Perrins High School pupil impressed judges with her imaginative picture of a turtle and a fish.

"There were more than 10,000 entries this year, making the competition the most hotly contested yet," said an RSPCA spokesman.

"Judging was a difficult task as the standard was so high.

"From leopards, water buffalo and giraffes to stick insects and a pet dog running on a beach, young photographers have captured a huge variety of subjects on camera this year."

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held in the prestigious Spencer Gallery, at the Natural History Museum, in London, on Thursday, December 9.

The overall winner will receive a digital camera and £250, and the winners of the under 12's group and 12 to 18 year olds category will also win a state-of-the-art camera and £100 cash. Eight runners up will receive a digital camera and £50.