A TEENAGER is in the running to win a photographic competition run by the RSPCA.

Rachel Kemp’s picture of her dog Archie was taken in a relative’s back garden during a family holiday.

It is one of nine regional entries shortlisted in the animal charity’s Young Photographer Awards.

Rachel, 15, of Carlisle Close, Colchester, called her picture Finally Happy.

The Thomas Lord Audley School pupil said: “In Archie's three years of life, he’s been through various different homes, including with the RSPCA itself.

“When we first got him, he was extremely timid, which made him wary of people in general and any other dogs he met.

“In the beginning, he even took his time to get used to us, but looking at him now you would never have guessed he’d have ever been like that.

“Archie has developed a great deal of confidence and will now approach anyone he comes across without even hesitating in the slightest.

“He’s always running around like a lunatic, jumping all over everyone and he even licks his nose in appreciation of any treats.”