Lily Edwards' bee and bug photos win RSPCA competition

Close-up pictures of a bee and a bug have won a young photographer top awards from the RSPCA.

Lily Edwards, 17, scooped first place and a runner-up spot for pictures taken in her garden in Bangor, Gwynedd.

Judges, including broadcaster and naturalist Chris Packman, picked her shots in the category for mobile phone and devices for 16 to 18-year-olds.

"Before I discovered macro photography I never truly appreciated the intricacy of small insects," said Lily.

It was her photo of a bee on lavender that won first prize.

She said: "I take photographs for pleasure. It helps me de-stress. I took this photo in my garden when I noticed a bee buzzing around the lavender.

"I was surprised when I looked at the photo and saw the intricate features; its face for example is so prominent and it almost looks as if it's smiling."

Lily's green shield bug and Lily receiving her award from Chris Packham

Her photo of a green shield bug was awarded the runner-up prize in the same category.

"When I managed to snap a photo I was surprised to see all the details that I didn't notice with my naked eye," she said.

A gallery of the winning images in the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2017 competition has been published on the animal charity's website.