Seven-year-old wows crowd with rendition of ‘This Is Me’ - in sign language

Video by: Michael Deegan

This adorable seven-year-old girl has become an internet sensation after wowing a crowd with a rendition of the song ‘This Is Me’ - in sign language.

Jessica Deegan’s dad Michael posted a video of her performing the song on Twitter, which has attracted over 240,000 views.

The youngster performed the song from the film The Greatest Showman at a talent show last Saturday and won a prize in her category.

Jessica, who is not deaf and has been learning sign at school, entered the open category of Next Step's Got Talent competition in her home of Livingston, West Lothian.

Proud dad Michael Deegan, 28, posted the clip of his daughter on Twitter and received more than 1,700 retweets and 14,000 likes.

Michael said: "It was a local dance group she goes to and they put on a talent show for the kids.

“Jessica chose to go into the open category to do sign language - she had learned it in school and really enjoys it.

“She cares for everyone and wanted to involve something that includes other people and lets others enjoy something different."

On the day, dad of two Michael attended the show with his parents Rose, 55, and Phil, 68, and Jessica's little brother Kobin, aged four.

Michael claimed Jessica was "really confident" and couldn't wait to perform her act which she had been practicising for weeks ahead of the event.

He said: “She had been practising for a couple of weeks before she had to put her entry in.

"She was really confident with no nerves and looked forward to it.

“Her family that went along knew what was happening but apart from that no one else knew.

“Not many people knew what was going on."
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The amazing performance received a standing ovation and even moved a judge to tears.

Dad Michael said: “Everyone was getting drawn into it and emotionally attached to it - the place went silent.

“She only had a minute and a half then everybody jumped up in a roar.

“One of the judges said it brought tears to their eyes while watching it.

"She’s had a lot of support and messages since."

Michael, a customer resolution analyst, hopes his daughter will continue to learn sign language, which he believes could benefit her further down the line.

He said: “I’m hoping she does keep it up, she’s enjoying it and I’m hoping the school continue to offer it.

"But if they don't then I will speak to her and if she wants to continue it I will try and find her a tutor.

“I know myself it would be something very useful for her going into a working environment."

Michael said the response from family, friends and online has been "overwhelming".

He said: “Everybody’s over the moon with her and I still can't find the words with how proud I am with her.

“Everybody said it was so good.

“It’s overwhelming for us, never mind Jessica."

He added: "She likes to play with everybody and include others in the group - it shows everyone how much of a caring child she is.”
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BAD HAIR DAY

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A baffled schoolboy has been punished by his school for cutting his hair too short - just a day after being told off because it was TOO LONG.

Jonathon Soares, 16, was told by staff last Monday that his haircut - which featured shorts side and a long floppy fringe and he had sported for months - was too long.

The 16-year-old student duly got a £10 trim that night at his local hairdresser and had the sides 'shaved faded' and the top and fringe cut shorter.

However the following day he was stunned when a teacher at Great Yarmouth Charter Academy, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, told him off for his 'Meet Me at McDonalds' haircut.

The teenager, from Great Yarmouth, was punished for his new do and was put in isolation for the rest of the week - where he was forced to work alone.
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Jonathan's mum was outraged by the school's decision to isolate her son and is worried this will now effect his GCSEs - which he is set to take at the end of the year.

The youngster's hair is naturally curly and brown.

The youngster's mum, Sophia Soares, 35, said: "It's ridiculous.

"It seems to me like they are making an example out of Jonathan.

"I understand that they need to have the correct uniform and look smart but there are no patterns in it and it's not an outrageous colour - it's just a short back and sides.

"In my eyes how he chooses to have his hair cut is up to him."
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The GY Charter Academy pupil now fears he may not get his place at East Norfolk Sixth Form College next year if he gets excluded in his final months at the school.

Sophia added: "You should not isolate a child for their haircut.

"A haircut does not stop you from learning.

"He is not the only child in that school with that haircut either - it's discrimination.

"He's not learning anything in isolation now so he might as well be at home."

A spokesman for the Inspiration Trust, who run a range of schools across Norfolk and Suffolk said pupils and parents are aware of the school's guidelines.

The Trust said: "Great Yarmouth Charter Academy’s guidelines on uniform and appearance have been well publicised, and families and pupils are well aware of the school’s requirements around haircuts.

"These are not difficult to follow, and if pupils choose to go against them they do so knowing the sanctions they are likely to face."


Military flypast held in honour of ten airmen and a British 82-year-old who blames himself for their deaths 75 years ago

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A military flypast was held today in honour of ten airmen and an 82-year-old who blames himself for their deaths 75 years ago.

Tony Foulds was just eight years old when he and a group of friends spotted a B-17 Flying Fortress.

The American plane known as 'Mi Amigo' was returning from a planned bombing raid over Europe after being attacked by the Luftwaffe.

Tony and his pals waved at the plane unaware it was going to try and make an emergency landing in the field they were standing in at Endcliffe Park in Sheffield.

Instead the plane and its crew steered away from them and crashed into trees - killing everyone on board.

Grandfather-of-four Tony has blamed himself for their deaths ever since and spent several decades tending a memorial to the brave crew.
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The 10 men killed in the crash:

Pilot Lt John Kriegshauser, pilot from Missouri
2nd Lt Lyle Curtis, co-pilot from Idaho
2nd Lt John Humphrey, navigator from Illinois
Melchor Hernandez, bombardier from California
Harry Estabrooks, engineer and gunner from Kansas
Charles Tuttle, gunner from Kentucky
Robert Mayfield, radio operator from Illinois
Vito Ambrosio, gunner from New York
Malcolm Williams, gunner from Oklahoma
Maurice Robbins, gunner from Texas

The list of aircraft taking part in Mi Amigo memorial flypast over Endcliffe Park in Sheffield:

Mi Amigo
KC -135 Stratotanker
Typhoons x2
CV-22 Osprey
F-15 Eagle x4
Dakota
MC-130
F-15s
RAF firepower
MC-130
B-17 Flying Fortress
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But after Tony asked for a flypast for them on the 75th anniversary of the deaths a campaign was launched and his wish came true - with him as the guest of honour.

An emotional Tony speaking on BBC breakfast said: “I have had a guilty conscience all my life, the guilt has grown more and more over the years.

“The men that saved my life they’re my family, they didn’t know who anyone of us on the field that day but they chose to save our lives over their own.

“This fly-past is not about me, this is about those brave men who saved my life. I’ll never stop visiting the memorial.”

Mr Foulds said he and the other children were in the park on February 22, 1944 because boys from two rival junior schools were fighting.

Tony was spotted earlier this year by Dan Walker, BBC presenter who was walking his dog through the park spotted the pensioner caring for the memorial.

Dan shared their exchange online and it instantly won the heart of the nation.

A social media-led subsequently went viral and a fly-past which had been a life-long dream of Tony’s was successfully organised along with new steps and a flagpole for the crash memorial.

Today, thousands of people along with two relatives of the crew members who tragically died 75-years-ago, attended the fly-past involving military aircraft from Britain and the United States.

Crews set off from RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, which is home to the largest US Air Force base in the UK.
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Mystery winner of £76m EuroMillions jackpot revealed

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Andrew revealed that he will be sharing his millions with over 20 people in his family, including Trisha's 14-year-old daughter, who has special needs.

Andrew said: “She will be set up for life. Any care she needs she will have.

“I won’t stop doing the lottery. I don’t do any other gambling but I will still buy my £1 scratch card.”

Andrew Clark is believed to have three children named Jamie, 22, Rikki, 23 and Zhoe, 27, and he lives in a home worth around £200,000.

He has three granddaughters aged nine, six, and two. He has put £200 each in their Christmas cards.

When asked about being apparently relaxed about the win, he said: “This is me. We’re very down to earth people. Trish will keep me grounded.”

He added: “Trish bought a Nissan Quashquai. She’s not a car person but that’s what she wanted.”

Andrew used to make parts for Mercedes Formula One.

He said: “Perhaps now I can buy one.”

Asked about Christmas presents, Andrew said: “Everyone will still get the same pair of socks that they were all supposed to get.”

Speaking about their families, Trisha said: “I’m sure they will help us spend it.

“They money will benefit them for life.”

With Andrew claiming the ticket, a frantic six-week search for the winner comes to an end.

The National Lottery deployed ad vans to the area to encourage the winner to come forward, and even enlisted local town crier Steve O'Dare to spread the news.

Andrew's is the 12th biggest win ever in the UK, and is not the first time someone from the area has got lucky.

In 2015, Richard and Angela Maxwell, from Conningsby, Lincs., won £53m.

And in May this year, another winner from Grantham, Lincs., scooped just under £10m.
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The 16-year-old boy convicted of raping and murdering Alesha MacPhail was named in court as Aaron Campbell

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The 16-year-old boy convicted of raping and murdering Alesha MacPhail was named in court as Aaron Campbell.

The depraved teen was given anonymity throughout his trial at the High Court in Glasgow, due to his age.

Scotland gives people under the age of 18 statutory anonymity under Section 47 of the Criminal procedure (Scotland) Act 1995.

But a judge can be requested to lift the ban, if it is considered to be in the public interest, so a criminal can be named and pictured.

Campbell, from Ardbeg, Isle of Bute, was told that the rape, murder and abduction of six-year-old Alesha was among the ‘wickedest’ crimes ever heard at the High Court in Glasgow.

Judge Lord Matthews, who presided over the nine-day trial, held a hearing to decide whether anonymity should be lifted.

Campbell was present at the hearing along with dozens of reporters, and lawyers.

Before September 2015, his identity would have been known to the general public during the trial as anonymity was granted to those under the age of 16.

However, the law in Scotland changed to become aligned with the rest of the UK.

During the trial, Campbell’s identity was protected due to his age - however, he tried to pin the blame on Alesha’s father’s girlfriend, Toni-Louise McLachlan, aged 18.

Campbell cited a special defence of incrimination blaming her for Alesha’s murder.

This was cited as a public interest reason for naming him.

Public interest reasons were cited as the abhorrent nature of the crimes, in which the public will have had ‘substantial interest’, and that the prohibition on identification would end on Campbell’s 18th birthday, on May 16 2020.

It was said that due to the murder conviction, the sentence would cause him to be jailed beyond his 18th birthday, when the anonymity would end.
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Crucial to the decision to name Aaron Campbell was the accusations he made against Toni-Louise McLachlan, aged 18.

Representing Scots media organisations urging Lord Matthews to lift the ban, Anthony Graham QC told the court that the allegations Campbell made against Ms McLachlan was a ‘substantial attempt to pervert the course of justice’.

Mr Graham said: “The incriminee enjoyed no statutory protection and was named and photographed and had her photographs published.

“He has introduced the issue of sexual involvement with the incriminee.

“By the very nature of that defence and by finding him party to that defence, the pannel has introduced to the trial adult themes.”

No appeal was lodged by Campbell’s defence, Brian McConnachie QC.

But the brief told the court that Campbell was ‘at risk of attack’.

Mr McConnachie said: “There was a history of self-harm, of anxiety and he had been tested for ADHD and was awaiting further testing due at the time of his arrest.

“As far as he’s concerned, there’s issues both with attack from others and the potential matter of self-harm.

“The onus is on the party seeking to have the prohibition lifted and to satisfy the court.”

Media lawyer Mr Graham said: “It’s naive to think he remains anonymous on Bute, a community in no little part affected by this.”

And he said Campbell would be locked up at HMYOI Polmont in Falkirk until he was 21.

Judge Lord Matthews told the court: “Children don’t usually commit offences of this nature.”

Mr Graham concurred and said: “It’s unusual for a child to be convicted of murder.”

He urged for Campbell’s name, his address, his images, school and ‘such background which is not protected otherwise’ should be allowed to be published.

Granting the application, Lord Matthews said: “I intend to name the accused.”
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In a closing speech, advocate depute Iain McSporran QC described a “mountain of evidence” against the accused, and said there was not a “solitary piece of evidence” against Toni McLachlan.

A charge of defeating the ends of justice was dropped by the prosecution.

Mr McSporran told the jury: “You have to be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt.

“What does your common sense and experience of life tell you?

“There is so much evidence in this case that there is only one true verdict - of guilty.

“You must set aside any prejudices or feelings you may have.

“You must not be swayed or affected by the emotion of this case.

“I don’t intend to show any more images I believe there’s been shown enough.

“This must be one of the very worst cases for a jury to have to come and sit in.

“The absence of his DNA in Alesha’s bedroom is essentially neutral.

“The evidence proves the accused removed her from her house and raped her.

“If you look at the injuries caused to her it was obvious the injuries were caused in the same way.”

When Mr McSporran described details from the pathology report on Alesha MacPhail’s body, the girl’s mother Georgina Lochrane left the courtroom.

Mr McSporran said: “The fact of the matter is she [Alesha] left that house without anyone hearing.

“She had never even left the house before on her own.

“During the night whoever took her was able to do it without anyone in the house hearing.

“The pathologist showed her nose and mouth could’ve been clearly covered without her making a sound.

“He saw she was taken by someone strong enough to carry her, that someone being [the accused].

“It is very odd someone is abducted, raped and murdered after someone is seen walking along that shoreline.

“The Crown position isn’t that he was smoking, chatting and having sex with Toni McLachlan but abducting Alesha MacPhail.”

Describing the accused as a “confident young man”, Mr McSporran said he had told the police officers who interviewed him ‘a pack of lies’ and ‘spun them a yarn’ after his mother left the room.

Regarding allegations from the accused of Ms McLachlan “fantasising” about killing Alesha, Mr McSporran said: “Nowhere else in this case is there evidence about someone fantasising about killing anyone.

“He introduced that to the case.”

The prosecutor described the “emotional turmoil” the island was in around the time of Alesha’s death, where a young girl was found dead “in the worst circumstances”.

Mr McSporran said: “As the trial progressed it became clearer only one of two people could’ve been responsible for Alesha’s murder, [the accused] or Toni McLachlan.”

He noted that accusations against Toni were introduced by the accused, and no one else.

The brief said: “What a risk to go out an rendezvous with a man who’s not your boyfriend.

“Is that not a risk beyond worth taking?

“To return to the house wearing a stranger’s hoodie, smelling of smoke and carrying a used condom.

“There’s not one single solitary piece of evidence.”

Citing evidence against the accused, he referenced a knife from the boy’s house and clothing found on a beach, the traces of DNA and clothing fibres discovered, and the “lies” the accused told to his mother and the police.

In his closing words Mr McSporran said there was no evidence implicating Toni McLachlan, while there was “a mountain of evidence” against the accused.
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Defence brief Brian McConnachie QC urged the jury to acquit the teen - telling them the 16-year-old accused ‘did not have to prove’ that Toni McLachlan was responsible for the murder.

Mr McConnachie said: “You can’t let emotion get in the way, you will have to act like judges.

“It’s entirely a matter for you.

“The prosecution don’t just need to prove their case but they need to prove it to a particular standard - beyond a reasonable doubt.

“One of the things you need to understand is it’s not for the accused to prove Toni McLachlan done this - it’s not a who done it.

“You might believe Toni was involved or you might have a doubt.”

He questioned why Alesha did not scream when she was taken from her bedroom.

Mr McConnachie said: “This is a girl who would scream if somebody came into her room.

“The prosecution claim he took her out of the house, down all of the stairs then out of the property without her making a sound or him making a sound.”

Asking them to consider DNA evidence, he said: “The Crown understandably makes something of that.

“When the police comes round and he [the accused] gives his statement he gives them the DNA quite willingly and quite happily.”

And Mr McConnachie referred to a Facebook conversation when the accused and a pal were both aged 14, and discussed killing.

He added: “There are elements of this case where the crown are trying too hard to make something of nothing.”

He described the conversation as “just rubbish” and “teenage fantasy”.

Mr McConnnachie described the Snapchat video showing the teen ‘claiming to have found who done it’ as ‘bad taste’.

He said: “There’s no doubt it was in bad taste.”

And he said DNA and fibre sample evidence connecting the accused to the murder was ‘irrelevent’ due to the possibility of secondary transfer.

Mr McConnachie said: “The verdict has to be one of acquittal.”

The trial has been adjourned until tomorrow when Lord Matthews will direct the jury.


Desk the Halls

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For the third year running engineer Jack Makepeace has created a merry masterpiece of his workspace so he can celebrate Christmas on the job.

Officer manager of Ibsecad, David Coy, said Jack had "knocked it out of the park" in the first 'decorate your desk' contest.

David, who has worked at the firm for six years, said: "I set up the competition in 2016 to create a bit of festive cheer in the office.

"The rest of us used a bit on tinsel and a tree, then Jack created a masterpiece that was absolutely incredible - he deserved the prize of a bottle of JD.

"Last year it got bigger and this year I came in on Monday to an ice castle. Already we're excited to see what he'll do in 2019.

"We were slightly worried about what he could be getting up to in his boxed-in castle but he does sit next to the regional director, Antony Henson, and he has put a window in there so we can have a peek in."
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It is especially brave - as Jack's desk is located next to the boss.

Jack said: "It took me about five hours to make. I have a degree in engineering so, luckily, the drawbridge didn't pose too many problems to construct.

"I then went into the office on Sunday to staple the whole thing together. I promise it was all done in my own time."

Jack has always loved Christmas, but especially so because his blind wife loves all the sparkles.

Jack said: "Charlotte has a genetic disorder called retinitis pigmentosa which meant she lost her sight at 14-years-old.

"She only has a little light perception left so she can see all the sparkles, on the tinsel and from the lights, so it is a very special time for us."

The couple, who have been together five years, live together in Morley, West Yorks., with their guide dog, Moss.
Video by: Ellis Wylam

A Christmas-mad office worker has turned his desk into Britain's most festive workspace - transforming into a snow-covered castle complete with 'smoking' chimney.

For the third year running, engineer Jack Makepeace has created a merry masterpiece of his workspace so he can celebrate Christmas while on the job.

What started as a competition amongst colleagues at building services firm Ibsecad in Leeds, West Yorks., has now become a tradition - with Jack's workmates waiting in anticipation for his Christmassy creation.

This year the newly married Yuletide fan drew inspiration from his recent honeymoon to Sweden when he and new wife, student Charlotte, 23, visited the Ice Hotel.

The 24-year-old created a cardboard castle covered in snow with a working drawbridge and a tunnel for escaping smoke - if somebody vapes through it.

It comes complete with fairy lights, tinsel, penguins and sugar canes.

Jack sits inside his castle to do his work and sets his computer on log fire screensaver mode if he starts feeling the cold.
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Jack said: "I had only worked here a couple of months when the company first set a competition in 2016.

"Others had put Christmas trees on their desk and I decided I wanted to go 'out there' and build a festive house around me.
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"I wasn't quite sure whether it was the right thing to do, with me only working here a short while, but I thought 'sod it, it can only make people smile'.

"It went down such a storm that my colleagues said I had to make a bigger house next year - which I did - this year I thought I better build a castle."


WATCH: Two adrenaline junkies cheat death climbing 784ft London skyscraper

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This is the heart-stopping moment two adrenaline junkies climb a 784ft skyscraper above Canary Wharf without safety ropes.

Syed Bukhari, 21, and Owen Reece, 18, scaled the Landmark Pinnacle building, which is set to become the tallest residential building in Europe when completed.

They raced up 75 flights of stairs before walking out to the end of a crane on Saturday afternoon.

After a 20 minute walk the pair can be seen balancing on the end of a crane with their arms in the air, while taking in the view of the City of London.

Syed, who runs dozens of similar urban explorer videos on YouTube channel SyedSB TV, said: “We chose that one because it’s one of the tallest buildings in London.

“The hardest thing is climbing up as your hands start to become tired.

“We stayed up there for an hour taking pictures as the view is one of the best things about doing it.

“People might slate us for doing it but I would just say to them 'you only live once'.

“We’re not playing another person’s life, only ours.

“We don’t want to be restrained and only do things ordinary people can do. We want to push ourselves.

“Anyone who does this sort of thing knows the risks so we know what we are getting ourselves into.”

Owen said: “We were there for a few hours waiting for the workers to go home

“Because it was rainy there were times when I thought ‘Yo this is sketchy to get down’.

“But we had to focus.

“I don’t really get nervous as I’ve been doing this for three years.

“We don’t really joke about.

“When we got to the top the view was incredible.

“We could see the whole of London.

“We could see so much the landscape started to look a bit round.

“I’d love to do something like the Eiffel Tower but we’ve got a few more in the pipeline.”
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Prisoners in smell block H

The toilet was installed by Transport for London for bus drivers caught short in the area, but locals are furious about the stone-grey building.

Local politicians in a leafy suburb have joined the fight against the "arrogant" plonking of a toilet block resembling a Dr Who Tardis on a residential street.

The toilet was installed by Transport for London for bus drivers caught short in the area, but locals are furious about the stone-grey building.

Hundreds of objectors have signed a petition against the private, driver-only toilet, known by fuming locals as 'the Turdis', in Biggin Hill, south east London.

Residents say they were given no warning about the permanent portaloo - and now local councillors have pitched in on the row.

There are now three of these bogs in Bromley, with others in Petts Wood and St Mary Cray.

The Biggin Hill bog has already had its window smashed, but neighbours claimed it was a bird.

Speaking last night (Tues), executive environment councillor William Huntington-Thresher said he was calling on TfL to lose the loo as soon as possible.

He said: “It appears TfL intended to notify residents but this did not happen,.

“It is disappointing TfL did not consult residents, and it is also disappointing TfL did not attempt to locate toilets that can be used by a number of bus routes.

“They clearly decided to install these with minimum effort on their part.

“I would agree with residents the location is entirely unsuitable and call upon TfL to remove it as soon as possible.”

The toilets were installed by TfL using its permitted development rights, meaning the authority could only object on the grounds of highway safety.

These rights have only been used previously for bus shelters, and the council is exploring whether it does extend to toilets.

Biggin Hill councillor Julian Benington said: “It is a monstrosity.

"The need for a toilet there is certainly questionable.

"I would like to ask the portfolio holder to ensure this toilet is removed as soon as possible – we don’t want it hanging around until Christmas and the new year.”

Petts Wood councillor Simon Fawthrop said TfL was acting “as though it can do whatever it likes” by placing a toilet in a special conservation area in his ward.

TfL has already apologised for the communication breakdown and is investigating how letters failed to reach Biggin Hill residents, and said it was meeting with neighbours to discuss the site’s feasibility.

Nick Fairholme, a director at TfL, said: “We are sorry that we did not inform all residents of our plans to install a toilet for bus drivers in Biggin Hill.

“We try to be mindful of residents when we install these important facilities but understand that there are concerns about this location.

“We have offered to meet the local community to explore the feasibility of a more suitable location, or if that is not possible to see if any changes can be made to the existing facility.”
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Seven-year-old girl with incredibly rare birthmark set to feature in international exhibition

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A seven-year-old girl born with a large birthmark on her face is featuring in an international exhibition with a message to 'love the skin you are in'.

Rosabella Harrison attracted the attention of world-renowned fashion photographer Brock Elbank after she was chosen to be the face of the charity Caring Matters Now.

The organisation provides support for those affected by Congenital Melanocytic Naevi (CMN) - a rare type of birthmark affecting one per cent of infants worldwide.

A photo shoot for the charity in September perfectly captured Rosabella's enchanting personality, which in turn grabbed the eye of photographer Elbank.

She will now appear in his "How do you C Me Now" exhibition in March, which celebrates the lives affected by the condition and is set to travel the world.

The youngster, from Beccles, Norfolk, was born with CMN which appears in less than one in 20,000 newborns in the UK.

However, Rosabella is particularly unique as her birthmark's placement and composition are both very rare.
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Her mother, Chantelle Harrison, 29, said: "It's incredibly rare. People normally have the birthmarks somewhere on their body but not normally on the face.

"We're just little people - things like this don't normally happen to us. But Rosabella loves it - any excuse to be in the lime light. It's lovely."

The condition is not just cosmetic and also poses the risk of future neurological problems and melanoma.d Rosabella returns to hospital once a year for tests.

Elbank partnered with CMN - the only UK charity dedicated to those affected by the condition - to celebrate beauty that is more than skin deep.

The London-based fashion photographer is best known for his captivating series of 150 portraits of individuals with freckles - which captured their beauty and uniqueness.

His latest exhibition uses images of adults and children of all ages affected by CMN, representing 13 countries from five continents.

The exhibition title encourages the audience to consider their current perceptions of individuals affected by a visible difference.

The "How Do you C Me Now" exhibition will open at Oxo Tower Wharf on London’s South Bank on March 14 for two weeks before travelling around the world.

Speaking about Elbank, Chantelle said: "He's absolutely fantastic. He really makes you feel at home. We had breakfast made for us.

"He managed to get what we wanted and what he wanted. He really captured her personality."

Rosabella's mother also praised Lowestoft’s Picture Studios who took the original press shots for the charity and have been a great support for the family.
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A Caring Matters Now spokesman said: "The aim of the exhibition series is to give a clear message to the world – love the skin you are in.

"We want this beautiful series of images to reduce the public’s negative perceptions of visible differences."

Rosabella, who lives on a farm with her mum, is also an accomplished horse rider and is part of the dressage and show jumping team at her school - and has her own pony, Rosie.

Chantelle said: "Rosabella has been riding all her life because we live on a farm and she is part of the dressage team at school.

"She has only just turned seven and that is a massive achievement for her.

"She was part of the Beccles Royales Gymnastic Club too and plays piano, guitar and ukulele.

"She just wants to try anything that is going on - she is so fearless and is just good at everything she turns her hand to.

"She is going to do an amazing things."


Pensioner saved after sinking up to his NECK in manure

Video by: Simon Maudlin SWNS_MARSHALL_RESCUE_01.jpg Image by: Simon Maudlin

This is the moment firefighters saved a dog walker who was trying to rescue his pet and got stuck up to his neck - in MANURE.

Brian Marshall, 75, waded into the massive slurry pit to retrieve his Jack Russell Archie but soon found himself sinking.

Luckily his desperate calls for help were answered by fellow dog owner Matt Hollick, who heard faint calls as he left a nearby veterinary clinic.

He raised the alarm and firefighters arrived just as Brian's head began to sink into the stinking pile of waste.

“I’d given up trying to get out on my own," said Brian. "I felt like I was digging my own grave.

“I was gradually giving up and didn’t think I was going to make it.”

The drama began as Brian enjoyed a walk near Upper Caldecote, Beds., on Sunday (17/02) with Archie and his other dog Bella.

He said he had no choice but to go in after his pet.

“Using the Duke of Edinburgh’s words, 'I had been a bloody fool, and there was no one but me to blame'," he said.

"However to see the death by drowning of your loyal and trusted pet dog in front of your very eyes was not an option for me."

Trapped in the sludge, he began shouting for help and the wind carried his voice towards nearby Elizabeth Smith Veterinary Practice.

Luckily Mr Hollick heard his pleas as he loaded his dog into his car after an appointment.

Writing on social media, he said: "It's not everyday you take your dog to the vets as it ate raisins, to emerge having saved a guy's life in a farmers field.

"I was placing the dog in the car and taking after care advice with the vet.

"I could hear a faint cry for help which was being carried on the wind which was blowing in my direction.

"Three more calls of help later and I took off to investigate.

"I was greeted by an enormous muck slurry pit with a man stuck in the middle and sinking below the surface.

"I provided some initial advice to stabilise his position and used his dog leads and dog to reduce his decline."
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Brian had been stuck for nearly an hour by the time crews from Sandy and Kempston Community Fire Stations and HART Ambulance reached him.

They used an inflatable hose, inflatable rescue paths and dry suits to pull him out of the pit.

He was then rushed to Bedford Hospital to be treated for hypothermia.

Brian from Ickwell, Beds., is full of praise for the actions of Mr Hollick.

“He masterminded it all," he said. "He called the emergency services and as I was sinking fast he told me to keep my arms up.

"The more I moved the worse it became."

“The fire crews were absolutely awesome. They went into the muck themselves to put a hoist round me.

“I and our two dogs Bella and Archie are so fortunate to all be alive and well.

"The Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service, the Ambulance crew, Bedford Hospital A&E, the police and so many others who were involved.

"Thank you one and all and for those who have phoned and sent messages. It is quite overwhelming.

“Thank you all so very much. Humanity can be very cruel at times but on this occasion nothing but kindness can be described.

"My long suffering wife Christine is busy manuring the garden as she sorts out all my clothes.”

A neighbouring farmer, Simon Maudlin, who had been called by the residents of nearby houses after hearing the cries, said: “Brian Marshall was a very lucky man.

"The wind carried his voice across a large open field towards Elizabeth Smiths Vets and the residential property.

"No wonder the area is called Windy ridge and it carried his voice of distress towards the buildings.”

The veterinary surgery also gave dogs Archie and Bella a clean bill of health.

A spokeswoman for the fire service said: "If you ever find yourself in a position where a pet or other animal is caught in water, mud or in this case a muck heap - please call 999 immediately for advice before getting yourself in to a situation where you are unable to tell emergency services where you are or more seriously putting your life in danger."
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Speaking today (wed), Brian Marshall said it was his 16-year-old white Jack Russell Bella who had got stuck in the slurry, while Archie watched on.

The former owner of a horticultural business and his 68-year-old wife Christine have owned Bella since she was a newborn puppy.

Mr Marshall said the lucky dog was recovering well, adding: "She's absolutely fine. She's almost back to wanting her two-hour walk a day."

Asked what his wife said when she heard of the incident, Brian replied: "She said, 'Where's that lovely jumper that I knitted you?'

"She had knitted me this lovely blue jumper and they [the rescuers] had to cut it off me."

Describing the ordeal, he said: "I don't know how Bella go in that far but she just did. I looked round and she was howling her eyes out.

"I couldn't bear to see her drown. It was a silly thing to do. It was mad.

"I went in upright. I was getting further and further into the muck but in the process of pulling her out, it sent me onto my back."

He added: "I will live to fight another day when I thought there would be an early funeral round a manure heap."