A talented Bonhill photographer has been chosen from tens of thousands of as a finalist in a nationwide competition.

Benjy Boyle’s photo of a mouse peeking out from under a holly leaf is in the running to be picked as the top photo in a public vote.

Mr Boyle hopes local people will vote for his picture, titled Hide and Seek, in the BBC Countryfile Photographic Competition 2015.

Having been chosen as one of 12 finalists the image has been shown on prime time TV and star as the December image in the Countryfile Calendar which sells regularly more than a quarter of a million copies.

Amateur photographer Mr Boyle said: “I was out trying to get photos of a woodpecker and I just saw a mouse just a my feet. I took a few pictures.

“I was absolutely shocked to made finalist. I sent in three pictures and and out of the three of them I thought the others were better.

“The theme is colours of the countryside so I sent in others of kingfishers in the Vale of Leven - they were really colourful.

“This one was chosen for December so I think they were looking for something Christmassy and bit different.” Mr Boyle, 67, of Pappert, is retired having previously worked at Babcocks in Dumbarton and said he often heads out around the local area to capture wildlife photos, particularly of birds.

If his photo is voted the winner by the public he would get to choose up to £1,000 of photography equipment.

The judges’ pick gets to choose camera £500 of camera equipment.

One of the finalists will be chosen to sit on next year’s judging panel.

Last year 32,000 images were entered for the competition and sales of the calendar made more than £1.5million for Children in Need with £4 from each calendar sold going to the charity.

To vote for the picture call 09011 98 90 12 or visit the BBC website to vote online.

Voting closes on Sunday.