AN ARDROSSAN teen has been honoured with her first competition win in photography - a hobby she has just started.

But for Jodi Clarke, 14, it is that extra bit special as she is autistic and it has helped her confidence, self-esteem and brought her out of her shell.

Jodi, who shoots her photos under the alias Jodi Shuttershy, is a pupil at St Matthew’s Academy, lives in Ardrossan with her mum Teresa and was lucky enough to win the Spring Photo Jam 2018 contest, held by the Forestry Commission Scotland.

Mum Teresa spoke to the Herald and explained how Jodi had gone from a shy teenager to a budding snapper,.

She revealed her daughter how she was always very quiet at school and that she was only diagnosed with autism 18 months ago.

She said: “Jodi was born three and a half months early at just one pound and nine ounces. She wasn’t diagnosed until a year and a half ago but the issues are because she was born so early.

“She is like any teenager, taking huffs but the autism does make things worse and the photography has really helped. We got a local photographer to help with Jodi and had a couple of lessons with him where he talked everything through.

“Jodi and him (Robin Parker) clicked and we now have a long running plan.”

Jodi is now being asked to take photos of a brokerage firm in Kilmarnock and will also be starring in a YouTube video with them.

Mum Teresa added: “She takes photos of everything and anything that catches her eye. I’ve seen a big difference in her and she is always with her camera.”

Jodi had to be convinced to enter the competition but since she won, she has decided to donate her prize of a £100 voucher for Go Ape Glentress Forest to Cats Protection.