schoolboy photographer became youngest to snap top prize: 12-year-old submitted stunning wildlife images anonymously

They are a stunning collection of images that appear to have been taken by a veteran wildlife photographer.

Yet this spectacular portfolio of photos captured in South Africa was actually taken by a schoolboy.

Now 12-year-old Sam Kaye's efforts have been rewarded, after he has become the youngest ever member of the Royal Photographic Society to gain a distinction.

Colourful: This spectacular close up of a kingfisher was one of the images submitted by Sam Kaye to the Royal Photographic Society. They later awarded the 12-year-old a distinction

Take that! Sam captured this clash between a lion and lioness during a family holiday to South Africa. All the images submitted were taken in the country

Making a splash: A hippo stretches its jaws in a South African lake. Judges of the photos were stunned when they found out Sam's age

Fellows of the world's oldest photographic society were shocked to discover Sam's age after they judged his work anonymously and awarded him the honour.

Young master: Sam Kaye began taking photos aged just six and has already won several prestigious awards. He said his dream job would be travelling the world taking nature photos

Sam, from Radlett, Hertfordshire, started taking photos when he was six and beat hundreds of photographers from all over the world to become a licentiate of the esteemed society.

He can now write the letters LRPS - Licentiate of the Royal Photographic Society - after his name.

Sam, who particularly enjoys taking photos of animals and nature, built up his portfolio while on holiday in South Africa.

His images include a close-up of a fox in the grass, a hippo enjoying a cool bath and a bright blue kingfisher.

Others show a lion and lioness fighting, an elephant with a twisty truck, an owl perched in a tree and a water vole peeking out of the stream

Speaking about the award, Sam said: 'I was really surprised to win the award from the RPS, but very pleased. 

'I feel really inspired taking photos and my dream job would be to travel around the world doing wildlife photos.'

He added he would like to become a professional photographer when he is older.

The youngster has already caught the attention of photography world after getting to the semi-finals in the wildlife photographer of the year competition earlier this year.

He also won the Royal Horticultural Society young photographer of the year award in 2010 for his amazing close-up of a hoverfly.

Mother Su said: 'I'm extremely proud of him. He's had a camera since he was six and he's just got better and better.

'We took a trip to South Africa last year and he got some great shots that I wish I'd taken.' 

Ready to pounce: With its eyes intently focuses and jaws at the ready, this fox prepares to attack its prey

This elephant photo was one of the images Sam submitted for judging. Candidates must enter ten pictures which are judged anonymously with one third of those who enter failing

The Royal Photographic Society's Stuart Blake added: 'It is an excellent achievement for someone so young.

'We have people who are much older apply for the title and do not come anywhere near the standard required.

'The level of competence needed has increased considerably over the years, so he has done remarkably well.'

The RPS was founded in 1853 and has more than 10,500 members worldwide.

Members can apply for a distinction by submitting ten photos, which are then judged anonymously. Last year only two thirds of those who applied were successful.