AN 11 year-old boy has captured images of a rare bird while trying out a Christmas present.

Thomas Spencer went to St Brides Beach on Sunday (December 27) to get used to his new camera.

He noticed a lot of bird watchers on the beach who were trying to capture a shot of a rare grey phalarope.

The grey phalarope is seen around 200 times a year in the UK, with Birdwatch magazine recording previous sightings at Strumble Head.

Thomas, from Milford Haven, told the Western Telegraph: “I got a new camera for Christmas and I was trying it out.

“I don't know anything about the bird, but there were lots of bird watchers on the beach just to see this rare bird.”

Thomas captured the excellent shot, above, and then carried on taking photographs of the stormy seas.