Captivating shots of animals – from an elephant?s trunk to a fly on a leaf ? have been short listed in the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2006, sponsored by Olympus and magazine printing company, Warners Midlands. Judges have chosen 28 pictures from 10,000 entries to the prestigious competition that is now in its 16th year, including this image of a Puffin by Catriona Parfitt.

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.?

Short listed pictures this year cover animals ranging from wildlife to insects, birds to pets. The winners will be announced at an 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.