Will (17), of Waddington Road, was crowned by Times Online readers, who voted for their favourite picture from several finalists.

Will is a former pupil at Bowland High School and is now studying photography at Craven College, Skipton, and hopes to make a career behind the lens.

Children's charity Plan UK and The Times Online got together for the global competition, which saw more than 800 youngsters from 104 countries enter photos.

The theme of this year's competition was "Young People In A Changing Climate" and William's shot of a fast-flowing weir on the River Ribble was a hit with Times readers.

Will said: "My picture was inspired by the work of Don McCullin, he's my idol really. I wanted to take a shot that was very dark and moody.

"I thought the perfect place to do that was at an old salmon trap on the weir at Brungerley. When I looked at it I knew I'd be able to get that foreboding feeling I was looking for. I thought the atmosphere really represented the world's attitude to climate change."

As part of his prize, Will is in Canada representing the UK at the World Youth Congress in Quebec. His winning photo will be on display at the congress along with winners of the other Shoot Nations categories.

He said: "The trip to Canada should be amazing, I've never been there before so it will be a real adventure. I'm also looking forward to seeing the other winners' photographs."

Plan UK's Sharon Goulds said: "Will is clearly a very talented young photographer. There was a huge interest in this competition and the theme of climate change. We at Plan believe getting young people's perspective on this issue is key to tackling it in the future."