A teenage boy has gained thousands of followers on Instagram since he began posting pictures of his dog.

James Power, 15, purchased his golden Labrador, Marley, from a relative during October last year.

After a flood of Facebook posts about the animal, his friends suggested he should create an Instagram account because they were "sick of seeing my dog".

His dog has now become the centre of attention as Marley has generated over 19,000 followers on the social media platform.

James from Gorebridge, Midlothian, says he always wanted to have a dog just so he could turn it into a celebrity.

The Newbattle High School pupil said: "I've always watched celebrities on TV and always wanted a dog to be a celebrity.

"In school, everyone used to have a dog and I didn't so I used to lie that I had a dog. I first wanted to get a pug but then I decided to get a lab - it's my best friend.

"The first month I got to at least maybe 4000 followers then ever since it began I have been getting around 200 followers a day."

James said the attention has made him feel like a "wee celebrity".

"When you have a big following people just want to be your friend, they'll offer to take you to the cinema just to get a shout out," he added.

Marley has also caught the attention of major brands, with a number of firms contacting James about marketing opportunities.

The teenager said his family has become supportive, especially his grandmother Kathleen, 58, who he stays with.

He explained: "At first they said there was no point in me doing this.

"But now my gran loves it and my aunties want to take me to the beach to do photos all the time.

"My gran tells her friends, so its quite good, they're really supportive.

"I'm just really grateful for everyone's support.

"That's why I always try and interact with my followers too if they send a message or share my pictures which edit myself."