Youngsters from Milton Keynes and Norfolk nominated for national award for animal pics

A heron standing at the edge of a lake at dusk
Samuel Atkins' photo of Willen Lake is one of 14 shortlisted Credit: Samuel Atkins/RSPCA

A pair of keen photographers from Milton Keynes and Dereham in Norfolk have been included on a national shortlist for an RSPCA photography competition.

The charity's young photographer awards feature the best photos taken by under-18s using a smartphone or handheld device featuring an animal.

Included on the shortlist is Samuel Atkins' serene picture of Willen Lake in Milton Keynes.

Samuel, who comes from the town, captured a heron resting quietly at the edge of the water in a photo titled Willen Lake after storm.

'Snowflake helps out' shows Melody Kingsland's pet rat helping her with some school work Credit: Melody Kingsland/RSPCA

The 15-year-old's photo is up against 13 others, including one featuring Melody Kingsland's pet rat Snowflake.

Melody, 11, lives in Dereham and snapped a picture of Snowflake helping her study while working from home.

The winner will be decided by an online public vote - the poll opened on Tuesday, 9 March and runs for a week.