A budding young photographer wowed judges with his underwater pictures at a photography competition.

Zack Griffiths, 12, won first prize in the under 16s category at the Isle of Portland Heritage Photography Competition and was given a prize of Wessex Photography and Tesco vouchers.

Zack’s winning photograph, a picture of seaweed on a beach in Portland, left judges fascinated.

Zack’s mother, Gail Griffiths said: “He’s a quiet chap, he hasn’t had anything like this happen to him before.

“He entered three photographs which were put on the board. The judges said they were very impressed and that he is showing real talent. It is just his passion at the moment.

He has got an Instagram account where he uploads his pictures and he has built up a following. His themes seem to be the sea and insects.

“He took a picture of some seaweed and people weren’t actually sure what it was, some thought it was caramel, people were really fascinated by it.”

She said Zack is overwhelmed by his achievement.

She added: “He is just over the moon he got a trophy then two medals, a Wessex Photography voucher, so he’s probably going to buy a proper photography camera. At the moment he takes all his pictures on his phone. The pictures he entered into the competition are the first pictures he has had printed.

“The Portland Camera Club said they would love him to join because he could help them win some points in their next competition.”

According to Gail, word of her son’s talent has reached his school, Atlantic Academy Portland, who want to put Zack’s pictures on display.

She said: “He isn’t taught photography at school so I don’t know where it has come from. The school has just rung me and said they want to do a display of his photographs to inspire some pupils to be creative.”

Councillor Ray Nowak, who helped to organise the event, said: “The photos were judged by Portland photographer Chris Ford, and he said he was very impressed with the quality of the photos submitted.”

To see more of Zack’s photograph’s visit www.instagram.com/zackgphoto/