Portrait photographer Merille Ryder is hoping to track down the little girl in this picture who has helped her win second place in a national competition.

Merille took the picture a year ago at the Mid Somerset Show – which again takes place this Sunday at Shepton Mallet.

She was watching the young cattle handling class and taking a few pictures of the entrants.

"I am a children's portrait photographer and I also take pictures in my spare time so my camera is nearly always with me," said Merille, who lives in Society Road, Shepton Mallet. "I took a picture that day of an exceptionally pretty little girl who handled her calf with an impressive quiet confidence."

She entered the picture into a national portrait photography competition, where it won second place. The judges said: "The girl in the white coat contrasts strongly against the black of the cows, her expression, connection with the cow and balance in the frame all stack up to a wonderful portrait."

She also entered the picture into the Guild of Photographers monthly competition and it was awarded with a Silver Bar.

The judge's comment then was "Like a work of art – I loved it."

Merille hopes readers may recognise the little girl and get in touch to let her know her name. She will be keeping an eye out for her again at this Sunday's show – in the hope she may be showing cattle again.

"I am hoping the family of this little girl will get in touch. I would love to give them a copy of the photograph as a thank you," she said.