A Fishguard photographer has come runner up in an international photography competition and got to meet one of his heroes, Dame Judi Dench.

Stephen Lucas' shot of a Grizzly Bear, taken on Grouse Mountain in Vancouver Canada, was chosen from hundreds of shots sent in from all over the world for the Down's Syndrome Association's international My Perspective competition.

The winners were revealed at a prestigious ceremony in London last Thursday, June 16.

Stephen was delighted to be named as a runner up and the keen James Bond fan was ecstatic to meet 'M'.

He received a canvas print of his photograph, a certificate and got to make a speech, as well as meet Dame Judi, who judged the competition.

"She asked me my name and I said 'Lucas, Stephen Lucas'," he said. "She said I could be the next James Bond.

"It was an amazing experience and Dame Judi was great."

Keen snapper Stephen is a former Ysgol Bro Gwaun and Pembrokeshire College student. As well as photography, he is actively involved with conservation charity Sea Trust, Fishguard's Transition Café and music project Wings Over Pembrokeshire.

He started taking photos about five years ago, inspired by his brother Owen. He predominantly takes shots of wildlife and landscapes and for the past two years has produced and sold calendars showcasing the best of his images.

Stephen has also successfully exhibited and sold his photography at Fishguard Arts Society's open exhibition.

"It was a fantastic do," added his father Tony of Thursday's awards ceremony. The whole evening was full of happy emotion. Dame Judi was wonderful, she was full of character and made friends with them all."