Ali Pearce has been named as the official photographer for the Police Unity Memorial Association, despite having Downs Syndrome. Miss Pearce, 22, of Black Cross, Chippenham, who is also wheelchair bound, will be the organisation's only official photographer.  She has become a star snapper after staging several exhibitions of her work and compiling a series of photos on behalf of Wiltshire County Council.  

Her mum Vonnie said: "I am absolutely thrilled with all of Ali's achievements but this is something very special to us all. The Police Unity Memorial Association is a wonderful organisation that supports families and friends who have lost loved ones who worked for the police. Ali is always so full of happiness and I think she will spread that through her work with them.  She was approached for the role after a member of the Northern Ireland Veterans Association saw some of her images in a recent exhibition.  They have all taken Ali to their hearts and Ali is very proud of her association with them."

Miss Pearce has defied the odds since birth, after being born with five holes in her heart and having a stroke aged two.
In 2006 her work reached national fame after a picture she took was displayed in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Chairman of the Police Unity Memorial Association Bob Young said: "Ali was appointed as our official photographer in recognition of her outstanding talent and commitment.   We will ask her to record any and all of the memorial services and events she deems fit to attend.  Furthermore, it is the express wish of the committee that she be granted the title and privileges of a full member - normally reserved for serving and retired officers."

Miss Pearce's work is currently on display in Warminster library after she was given a Small Sparks grant from Wiltshire County Council to capture images of the county. 

For more information on Miss Pearce, log on to www.imagesbyali.co.uk