A five-year-old who keeps an impressive colony of 60,000 bees has become Britain's youngest certified beekeeper.

Little Archie Cridland, from Guildford, Surrey, was stung by a bee aged two, but was not put off.

After submitting a portfolio of three months' work, and a diary, to an external examiner, Archie picked up his British Beekeeping Association's Junior Certificate in Apiculture qualification last month.

Explaining his passion, he said: "They're important because the pollinate. They pollinate our trees, food and crops."

Archie makes 60 jars of honey a year from his bees, some of which are enjoyed by his family, and some of which are sold.

When asked his favourite thing about bees, he said: "We do microscopy and I like to look at bees close up under the microscope.

The youngster is now working towards his next bee-keeping qualification - but needs to improve his reading and writing before his next exam.