A WEST Dorset woman with Down’s syndrome has had her snap of the Jurassic Coast shortlisted for an international photographic competition.

Alex Dodson, who lives near Beaminster, has been named as a finalist in the International My Perspective competition, which will be judged by Dame Judi Dench next week.

In past competitions people with Down’s syndrome were photographed as exhibits - the viewer was not supposed to see the person, just the difference.

The Down’s Syndrome Association’s (DSA) My Perspective competition turns the camera around and gives people with Down’s syndrome the chance to show the world from their point of view.

The judging panel also includes actress and writer Sally Phillips and Phillipa Proctor who is a director at sponsors GlaxosmithKline.

Alex’s image, West Bay Cliff, was shortlisted from entries sent from across the world including from the UK, New Zealand, Holland and Greece.

She said: “I love the way the cliffs look orange in the sunshine.

“I go to the beach with my dad and my dog Bella.”

This year the Down’s Syndrome Association is also honouring the life of Stephen Thomas by presenting an award in his name. Stephen and his father David died in a tragic boating accident in Canada in 2015. Stephen was a very talented photographer. In 2014, he won My Perspective with his photograph ‘Moraine Lake’.

As Stephen travelled extensively with his family, the DSA’s board of trustees decided to create the Stephen Thomas Award in his memory. Stephen’s mother Julie will present the award on Thursday, June 16.

Down’s syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome. Around one in every 1,000 babies is born with Down’s syndrome and there are more than 40,000 people with the condition in the UK.

The DSA is a registered national charity that provides information and support for people with Down’s syndrome, their families, carers and those with a professional interest.

The DSA aims to improve knowledge and understanding and champion the rights of people with Down’s syndrome. To find out more about the work of the DSA, please visit downs-syndrome.org.uk