AN enthralling evening of animal magic with renowned animal photographer Richard Austin will be held in Burnham-On-Sea at the Princess Theatre.

The event, in aid of Secret World Rescue Centre, will see Mr Austin share some fascinating and hilarious stories about his career as a photographer, as well as showcasing some of his work.

Mr Austin, a nationally acclaimed photographer, is well known for his Animal Magic photographs, and on June 26 he will present an evening telling the stories behind the many beautiful images he has taken over the years.

Richard Austin said: “I did a similar event about four years ago, which was well received, so I am doing another one this year, and all the proceeds go straight to Secret World.

“I have been taking photos at Secret World for 30 years now, and I can remember my first picture, which was of a three legged tortoise with a little wheel attached where his leg should have been.

“It’s great to capture the animals at the rescue centre, after they have been through a tough time and are being put back together again.”

Mr Austin was a newspaper photographer for 30 years, and has also worked as a Premier League photographer.

However, he has always had a passion for capturing animals, both at Secret World, and also in the wild.

He said: “Trying to capture wildlife pictures is also something I love to do.

“One of my favourite ever photos was of a stag knocking a huntsmen off his horse, the stag just leapt out of the hedge and knocked him right off his horse, and I captured the moment.

“That photo has be seen all over the world, and is one of my personal favourites.

“Another favourite of mine is a photo of a dormouse asleep on top of a rose (pictured).

“Jonathon Ross got involved in that picture, and it was also on Have I Got News For You, and The Graham Norton Show.

“That was at Secret World, and I know what mice are like when they are sleeping, so I just carefully picked it up out of its cage and put it on the rose, took the picture, and put it back again.

“The whole thing took about 30 seconds.”

Tickets are £12 each from the Princess Theatre. Telephone 01278  784  464 or visit www.princesstheatreandartscentre.co.uk to book.