A stunning picture of a Grey Heron in Wimbledon has won a teenage photographer a place in a national competition.

Danielle Connor, a student at Ursuline High School, took this picture, titled "Bokeh Heron", while at Queensmere pond on Wimbledon Common in May.

It has since been shortlisted as one of 37 photographs to reach the finals of the RSPCA Young Photography Awards in the 16-18 year category.

The 18-year-old budding photographer is currently studying for her A Levels and has already won awards from the Zoological Society of London, YMCA photography awards and the Marwell photography awards.

Miss Conner said: "This grey heron sat on a perch while a tufted duck bathed, spraying water.

"The sun was setting, lighting the water into thousands of bokeh balls.

"I spent many of my exam breaks at this pond - nature helps get my mind off things.

"The pond is situated within a valley of trees and the strong setting sunlight only appears in the summer.

"I happened to be in the right place and the right time, if I was on the other side of the pond I would have missed the light.

"It is also unusual for herons to come to this pond during the summer."

Winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Tower of London on Thursday, December 19, hosted by TV presenter Chris Packham.

He said: "I love seeing young people get so excited about photography and applying sophisticated techniques which would daunt many experienced adults.

"This year the young teenagers were particularly strong which is great as this is the age when kids tend to start picking up cameras and using them properly for the first time.

"The fact that they are so good already bodes well for their future."

The overall winner will win a weekend photography break courtesy of Natures Images and Olympus cameras worth up to £500.

The winner of each age category will also receive an exclusive photo shoot at an RSPCA animal centre.