Release Issued by Olympus:

Pick of the pics as young snappers click to reach prestigious final

Stunning shots of animals in all their diverse beauty – from an elephant’s trunk to a fly on a leaf – have been shortlisted in the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2006, sponsored by Olympus and magazine printing company, Warners Midlands.

Judges have chosen 28 amazing pictures – taken by photographers aged from nine to 18 - from 10,000 entries to the prestigious competition which is now in its 16th year.

Wildlife photographer, TV personality and Young Photographer Awards 2006 (YPA06) competition judge Chris Packham said: "I’m constantly amazed by the superb quality of pictures this competition attracts – quite simply they are stunning, and would grace any photography exhibition. These young people have an eye for the original which enables them to see something familiar in a very different way”.

Shortlisted pictures this year cover animals ranging from wildlife to insects, birds to pets. The winners will be announced at a glitzy awards ceremony at the Natural History Museum on December 15. Prizes include a day on a photo shoot with the RSPCA, and Olympus digital cameras.

For more information, previous winning shots and photography tips from Chris Packham, visit: www.rspca.org.uk/ypa.

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