A Burnley pupil has won the ‘12-15 mobile’ category for his photo of a jellyfish in the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2023.

The photo titled ‘Jelly Land’ was entered by Corbyn Thomas, 12, who was asked to enter the competition as homework set by his art teacher Mrs Polich at Blessed Trinity Royal College in Burnley.

The whole class had been given the homework but only Corbyn was shortlisted - and then won.

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

Winners were announced on December 14 at an award ceremony at the Tower of London hosted by TV presenter and RSPCA president Chris Packham.

Corbyn said: “This was my first time entering. I was given some homework by my art teacher asking me to enter the awards, so I did.

"I’d taken a picture of this jellyfish when visiting Blackpool beach. I didn’t know much about it but I researched jellyfish and found out all about them afterwards.

“The different colours and the pattern caught my eye and I wanted to find out more about what type of jellyfish it was. Google told me it's a lion’s mane, which is one of the largest jellyfish species.

“I’ve always had a love of animals as I was brought up with pets, and always going on walks with my auntie’s dog Georgia. I was on holiday in Ireland recently and took some photos of dragonflies and caterpillars.

"You could see all the colours on the caterpillar, which was cool, but now jellyfish are my favourite animals to take pictures of.”

Judge and awards host, Chris 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.”