A BUDDING photographer is celebrating after being highly commended in a national competition.

Stacy Woolhouse, of South Marston, entered his picture into the Amazing Partnerships competition and was chosen ahead of hundreds of entries to be named runner-up.

The 39-year-old’s entry showed a male and female tiger which he had taken during a trip to West Midlands Safari Park.

The competition was launched to accompany photographer Adrian Houston’s latest exhibition, which featured more than 20 celebrities with their dogs.

Stacy said: “I went for the day with my fiancee and nipper, drove around once and nothing was happening.

“I drove around again and I couldn’t believe what was happening. I think the male was getting a bit frisky but she was having none of it.”

The picture was taken with a Canon 7D camera.

“I’ve been interested in photography for about two years – it’s my passion,” said Stacy.

“It was a surprise to be highly commended, but I do enter a lot of competitions – I got one of my pictures of a lion in Marwell Zoo’s calendar.”

The competition was sponsored by Specsavers, which awarded Stacy a certificate, a framed copy of his photograph and a £150 eyewear voucher at its branch in Regent Street, Swindon.