A Lymm teenager has been recognised for their outstanding image in this year’s prestigious RSPCA Young Photographer Awards.
Winners were announced at a ceremony at the Tower of London held on Thursday 18 December – with Sam Morris, 15, from Lymm, being commended in both the Small World and age 12-15 categories.
In Small World, Sam’s image of a spider on a dew-laden web, titled ‘An architect in the rain’, impressed judges.
Sam said: “On a rainy Saturday in August, as the downpour finally eased, I grabbed my camera gear and ventured outside – after some patient searching, I found a tiny spider clinging to the tattered, water-soaked strands of its web, silently repairing the damage left by the heavy rain.
“I set up my tripod and watched in awe as it wove fresh silk, mending each delicate thread of its fragile home.”
Meanwhile, his entry in the 12-15 category was of a colourful spring snap of a red-breasted robin perching on a flowering blossom tree.
Sam added: “I was stopped in my tracks by the robin’s unmistakable song. Nestled among the soft petals, it perched perfectly in the branches.
“I used the surrounding blooms to naturally frame the moment – capturing the beautiful contrast between the bright vivid orange of the robin with the vibrant pinks of the blossoms to showcase the serene beauty of spring.”
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. This supports the RSPCA’s mission of inspiring everyone to create a better world for every animal.
This year’s awards were judged anonymously by a panel of photography experts, including professional wildlife photographer and photographic guide Ellie Rothnie; former competition winner-turned-professional photographer Catriona Parfitt; wildlife photographer, tour leader and owner of Natures Images, Danny Green; and RSPCA photographers Andrew Forsyth and Brett Harkness.
RSPCA photographer and judge Andrew Forsyth said: “This year’s entries have been of an incredibly high standard that made it very difficult for us as judges.
“It’s been lovely to see so many creative photos of both pets and wildlife and see how the youngsters have interpreted each category in what has been an incredibly strong competition.
“This competition is a great way to encourage young people to go out and connect with animals, and the fantastic images we’ve seen this year have been very inspiring. There are some beautiful pictures in this year’s winners gallery, with real talent shining through.”
Presenter and broadcaster Radzi Chinyanganya, a former Blue Peter presenter, hosted this year’s awards.
He said: “Young people are the future and that’s why I know the future is in safe hands – because I’m constantly blown away at the talent and the ability and the creativity of many young people around the country. This is epitomised by the entries in these incredible awards.
“Thousands of people have entered, so to even make the shortlist is testament to their skill, dedication and patience. It’s been a special day with special people.”
Jo Rowland, RSPCA CEO, added: “Taking pictures of animals helps us sit up and take notice of how they live and their unique personalities – as well as being able to spot things we might not have seen with the naked eye. It can make us appreciate the challenges that wildlife face or see our pets in a whole new light – and sharing those beautiful images can help others to appreciate animals more, too.
“The RSPCA Young Photographer Awards is a fantastic event celebrating exceptional young talent and the amazing and wonderfully diverse animal kingdom each year. It really embodies what we are about as a charity – encouraging people to connect with animals and inspiring everyone to create a better world for every animal.”
Sponsors of the competition are Natures Images (wildlife photography holidays), Camtraptions (camera traps for wildlife photography) and multichannel communications provider MBA Group. Winners in each category were awarded trophies and a selection of prizes at the Tower of London ceremony and as the overall winner, Thomas Durrant received a weekend photography break with Natures Images. This fabulous prize – the Deer Rut Special – includes two nights’ accommodation for the winner and a parent/guardian.
The RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2026 opens for entries on Tuesday 5 May 2026. For more information visit the RSPCA website for all the latest news, galleries and photo tips.
Email: ypa26@rspca.org.uk to join the mailing list and be notified when the competition opens.
