WILDLIFE expert David Attenborough would find plenty of material for a new nature series in the bedroom of a Burley-in-Wharfedale youngster.

Philip Buckley, aged ten, of Oak Avenue, has claimed top spot in the junior category of the Young Environmentalist of the Year competition.

But far from just accepting success in one competition, Philip has also claimed the runners-up prize in the RSPCA Wildlife Photography Competition.

The Burley Middle School pupil said he was really pleased the judges had appreciated his Layers of Life project - a study of the rainforest which illustrated the differences between the creatures

living up in the trees to those down on the ground.

The organisers admired Philip's project for its artwork. "His illustrations are superb, and he shows very clearly the great diversity of form and colour to be found amongst the animal life in the rainforest," said a spokesman.

Philip and his mother, Julie, travelled to London to receive his award at the Dorchester Hotel.

They found themselves sitting in a room full of celebrities and shared their table with actress Stephanie Cole and actor Frank Thornton (Captain Peacock from the sitcom Are You Being Served?).

Eco-youngster Philip is not a part-time friend of the environment, merely interested in picking up awards.

He tries to put theory into practice and even turns his bedroom into a 'museum' during the school holidays.

His collection includes a vast range of cacti, a Venus Fly Trap, a display of minerals, stick insects and an ant farm.

Mrs Buckley said: "I was

decorating at half term when I discovered that Philip had pinned up a sign outside saying there was a museum inside the house. A neighbour who was new to the area actually came to have a look."

Philip will collect his RSCPA award at a prize-giving lunch and awards ceremony in December in London.

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