Yawning cat photo wins Branscombe boy national award

Milou lounging in the sun was the "perfect photo opportunity", Marlon Darragh says

A 13-year-old boy has won a national photography award for an image he captured of his cat yawning.

The photograph of family pet, Milou, is the first picture Marlon Darragh has ever entered into a competition.

The schoolboy, from Branscombe in Devon, said he was "proud to be chosen" at the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2017.

He said he saw the "perfect photo opportunity" and the award has inspired him take more photographs.

BBC presenter Chris Packham presented Marlon with the award

Marlon made the journey to London with his family to attend the awards ceremony on Friday.

His mum Amanda Darragh said her son has "always had an eye for the unusual".

"He's never one to blow his own trumpet but he has always spotted details in things adults never see," she added.

Marlon's photograph of Milou, which he took on his Dad's iPad, saw off competition from across England and Wales to win the 12-15 Mobile Phone and Devices category.

The Sidmouth College student, who received the award from BBC presenter Chris Packham, said he took the photograph at just the right time.

"Our cat Milou was lounging in the sun on the patio. I took this one just as she yawned and stretched," the youngster said.

"I particularly like the contrast between her white fur and the dark grey slate, and the way her whiskers really stand out."