Ten-year-old Hugo’s brilliant squirrel picture recognised at RSPCA Young Photographer Awards

A fantastic photo of a baby squirrel has won a young wildlife enthusiast national recognition.

Ten-year-old Hugo Napier’s image of the orphan squirrel being fed milk through a syringe was declared a runner-up in the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards.

More than 4,000 photos were submitted to the awards, open to anyone under 18.

Hugo got to meet wildlife TV star Chris Packham at a ceremony at the Tower of London after his accolade in the under 12 mobile phone and devices category.

Hugo said: “It was amazing meeting Chris Packham and brilliant to see all the amazing photographs in the competition. It was really special that it was held at the Tower of London.” 

A pupil of Terrington Hall School near Malton, Hugo has clear memories of the day when he took the picture.

“I took the photograph after I was outside playing in my back garden when I saw three tiny baby squirrels all huddled together in the base of a beech tree.

“We got some milk from our local vet and syringe fed them until they were old enough. It was such an amazing experience to raise these orphaned squirrels and I will always have this photo to remind me of what a beautiful adventure I had with them.” 

Headmaster of Terrington Hall Simon Kibler said: “We are very proud of Hugo’s talents.”