COMPARISONS are being drawn between a Marlborough schoolboy with a passion for birds of prey and David Attenborough after the youngster came second in a national competition to find unsung heroes who help to save the planet.

For as long as Stanley Child can remember, he has been fascinated with birds of prey as well as going the extra mile to look after wildlife in his local area.

Such was his knowledge of these creatures, his former headteacher at Preshute Primary School, Celia Hicks, nominated him for the lifestyle hero category at the prestigious World Wide Fund for Nature's Earth Hour Heroes.

And on Tuesday, the 11-year-old, who was the only child entry amongst 17 other entrants, spent Tuesday afternoon at the Palace of Westminster, with his dad Andrew, where he came second in the competition to cap off an unforgettable few hours for him.

"It was a day I will never forget and I am really proud to have got this far especially as I was the youngest one there by a long way," he said.

"When I found out that I had been nominated by Mrs Hicks, I started running around the house wildly, then I jumped up and down, hugged my mum and could not stay still as I was too excited."

After he was nominated, Mrs Hicks said: "I first met Stanley as a little boy aged five, when he did an illustrated presentation to all classes to share his passion about birds of prey.

"Since then he has gone on to spend his spare time rescuing injured wildlife, and sharing his enthusiasm and devouring knowledge.

"I believe Stanley has the capacity to become the next David Attenborough, and would love to see his sustained passion rewarded - he is an outstanding role model."

Ever since he was taken to the hawk conservancy in Andover at the age of three, Stanley says has been obsessed with learning everything he can about birds of prey and in his research he stumbled upon the work of Mr Attenborough.

"If I met David Attenborough, that would be my favourite thing in the world - he is my hero," said Stanley, whose favourite birds are golden eagles, secretary birds and the bearded vulture, lammergeiers.

"I was lucky enough to meet Chris Packham from Springwatch a few years ago which was amazing. I want to look after birds of prey when I grow up."

His mum Nicola said they were incredibly proud of their son for what he had accomplished.

"He has a bright future ahead of him, our little David Attenborough. We are over the moon at what he has done. We are so proud of his enthusiasm and passion," she said.