IT WAS a tough nut to snap, but well worth the wait.

Isle of Wight wildlife and landscape photographer, Ian Groves, has shared a spectacular photo of a squirrel he captured in his lens mid-jump.

"This has been quite a project to capture red squirrels jumping successfully," said Ian.

"So many images slightly out of focus and headed for the recycle bin.

"It's been a few weeks, setting up two platforms for them to get used to, and regularly feeding them in all weathers, but so worthwhile when images like this come out the other end.

"I don't normally like flash in wildlife photos, but I had to in order to get the image I was after at this time of year.

"I can get more creative now I have this 'keeper' in the can.