Artist to exhibit Darwin portrait

A Shropshire artist, who is determined to show that her disability will not hold her back, is set to hold an exhibition in Shrewsbury featuring a painting of the town's most famous son, Charles Darwin.

Victoria Clinton, 22, who has Asperger syndrome, has already given paintings to former US President Bill Clinton and Sharon Osbourne.

And now her latest creation is an oil painting of Darwin which is going on show during the 200th anniversary of his birth.

Miss Clinton, from Telford, has been interested in art from the age of three, and was educated at New College and TCAT in Telford.

Although she was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at the age of 16, Miss Clinton said she did not like to make a "big deal" of her condition.

The exhibition, which will feature a range of portraits of famous faces and reproductions of classics such as "Girl with a Pearl Earring", will take place at The Bear Steps Gallery, in Shrewsbury, from July 19 to August 1.

Her mother Angela said: "All she wants to do is have her own place to work in and one day sell her paintings. People with Asperger's can make a contribution given a chance."