A woman from Bodmin who was paraylsed when she fell learning how to walk as a toddler is a lifelong artist — painting beautiful pictures with her mouth.

Sarah Barker, 39, has lived with the disability since she sustained a spinal chord injury aged 18 months.

She fell and hit the back of her neck whilst learning to walk.

The accident left her paralysed from the neck down and she has to be on a ventilator for 24 hours a day.

But it did not stop the determined creative from pursuing her passion of art — and she learned to pains beautiful artwork inspired by nature with her mouth.

Now the artist hopes to share her story to inspire others living with a disability to not give up — and embrace creativity.

Having painted for almost all her life, since the age of four, Sarah recalls how her art has only improved with time.

Sarah said: "I've always been very creative — I guess because I had my accident at such a young age, I've learnt how to adapt quickly, so that's why I started drawing and painting with my mouth.

"I have tried many other ways over the years — like Eyegaze on computers and things, but always found my stick is the best way.”

Sarah's main inspiration for her artwork, that she paints with acrylics, lies in the beauty of nature - as in her free time she is often outside enjoying the sun.

She explained: "My art is mainly nature focused — I draw beaches, the environment, flowers, animals - and always use bright colours.

"When I'm not painting, I like going to the beach with my husband and dogs, visiting new places - I love the sun and being out in the sunshine.

"I also love reading and learning, and seeing shows. All sorts really."

Sarah met her husband, Rich, in 2016 and in 2021, the pair got married at Lostwithiel Church.

A year later Sarah had a collapsed lung and had to stay in hospital for a long time - but she painted a big picture in there to keep her mind active.

Sarah admits she has good times and bad times having recently had a lot of infections which means she cannot venture out as much as she would like to.

But she is excited for the future, as she is currently waiting for a studio to be refurbished — which the talented artist hopes to move into and open it for craft fairs and open studio days.

Sarah added: "I try to pick myself up and hopefully am feeling better now. I like to break down barriers find creative ways to make things accessible, and show people that anyone can do what they want to do.”