This stunning picture of a painted lady butterfly won local lad Thomas Pittman recognition in a top photographic competition.

The 11-year-old from Margate borrowed a Canon SLR to capture the colourful moment on a visit to Walmer Castle last summer.

Caroline Cousins, of Purple Dragon Photography, submitted the photo to a children's competition run by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Thomas scooped a highly commended award -- effectively placing him fourth in his age group.