A teenage girl nicknamed 'spotty dog' by school bullies has embraced the hundreds of birthmarks that cover her entire face and body. 19-year-old Ciera Swaringen, of Rockwell, North Carolina, USA was born with mole-like birthmarks that spread from her head to her toes. Ciera's rare skin condition affects just one in 500,000 people and covers 70 percent of her body - with the largest mark stretching from her lower thighs to her navel. Since a child, the pretty teen has endured cruel taunts from strangers, but has now grown to love her unique appearance. She says: “Teenage boys are usually the first ones to comment when they see me. “They say things like, ‘You look like you’re dirty, take a wash.’
SURROUNDED by a snowstorm, these young polar bears battle the elements - as well as each other .
A couple from Bristol have told that they are often mistaken for father and daughter because of their huge 36 year age gap .
These are the amazing close up pictures of North Korea's mass games - after photographers were previously banned from taking shots so close to the dazzling formation dances .
These are the faces of orphans suffering from the horrifying effects of chemical warfare .
A middle-aged couple from Somerset have developed a rather unusual hobby to occupy their time: writing to killers on death row .
An Indonesian farmer is dragged through muddy water as he clings to the tails of two charging cows .
A lively lemon shark grins into the camera and showcases his impressive teeth .
LYING back in the snow, these two polar bears share a cuddle as they call time out on playtime .
A BLIND school-girl whose growth has been stunted by a rare medical condition is finding her feet again with the help of a specially made mini-cane .
Gabrielle Dale, 26, was subjected to seven years of coercive control and physical abuse at the hands of her violent boyfriend Sean Owen, 29 .
This is the moment a nimble red fox and a lumbering Alaskan brown bear were locked in a tense stand-off .