Six-year-old Evan Shelton's photo of a common blue butterfly roost has earned him a place in the final round of the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2008.

Judges whittled down thousands of entries to a shortlist of 33 spectacular wildlife shots.

The winners will be announced at an exclusive awards ceremony at The Tower of London on December 12 - hosted by competition judge and BBC Really Wild Show presenter Nick Baker.

Joining Nick on the judging panel were RSPCA chief photographer Andrew Forsyth, top wildlife photographer Ernie Janes, managing director of the nature picture agency FLPA Jean Hosking and model, photographer and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Penny Lancaster-Stewart.

The awards - sponsored by Olympus and Warners Midland - are seen as a springboard to success for some of this country's best young animal photographers.

Winners will be chosen in categories for under 12 years, 12-18 years, pet personalities and the Olympus portfolio. Winners will receive top Olympus photographic equipment, while the overall winner will also get the chance to go on an exclusive RSPCA photoshoot.

EYE-CATCHING: Evan's photo of a common blue butterfly roost PHOTO Saved in external