A MAN from Wem has proven that patience is a virtue after waiting five years to capture the perfect shot.

Brian Brookes is an amateur wildlife photographer and after being put on furlough he has had more time to partake in the thing he loves.

Various animals have been captured by Brian's lens over the years, but one thing that has always eluded him is the iconic sight of hares 'boxing'.

After five years of waiting, Brian has been able to capture the perfect shot, but he says that getting out into the countryside has had other positive side effects.

"I suffer really bad with depression and this just puts me right," said Brian

"My partner's an artist and she draws some of my wildlife photos for her work.

"That shot of the two boxing hares is one I've been after for five years. I've got them from a distance in the past but never up close like that."

Brian says that getting out in the countryside and seeing the wildlife is a good cure for anyone feeling down during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I recommend this to anybody that suffers and feels down in the dumps – this will put you right," he added.

"Once I've had this couple of hours now, I'm set for the day.

"I'm on tablets for my depression but getting into the countryside is good for everyone, especially if they can just get in the middle of nowhere and stretch their legs.

"This is the best time of the year to see wildlife this close, I recommend getting out into the countryside to anyone."