A MOTHER has told of her pride after her 12-year-old started producing drawings and photographs despite a condition which is causing her to lose her eyesight.

Elesha Worsley, from Ainsworth Lane, Tonge Moor, has suffered from congenital ocular nystagmus since she was born, and was told by doctors she would not be able to pursue her passion for art and could be blind by aged 12.

However, the youngster would not give up and decided to start drawing pictures and taking photographs of the things around her.

She has even had people ask to get copies of the images and was able to sell some at her school and raise money for charity.

Her mum, Louise, said: "I am just so proud of her, all of the family are.

"She was also always interested in art but was told by the eye doctor that she wouldn't be able to draw.

"But when she found out that there were blind photographers it inspired her to start trying drawing and photography herself."

Mrs Worsley said her daughter wants to work as an illustrator or as a newspaper editor or photographer.

She explained that the condition does not directly effect her eyes but causes disruption in her brain which means sight is not processed correctly.

It has led to Elesha having to regularly visit hospital to have her vision checked for deterioration and also means she will never be able to drive.

But the Sharples Secondary School pupil started drawing at 8 years old after asking her parents for an art set for her birthday.

Now she likes to draw pictures of cats and visit her grandparents garden to take photographs of the flowers.