A SCHOOLBOY with Down Syndrome who brightened the lives of his teachers and classmates has inspired them to "be different for a day".

Seven-year-old Jack Waldock is the first and only pupil at St Andrew's Primary School, in Bishop Auckland, with the condition.

And to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, children wore their own jumpers or hoodies to school "to be different for a day" to support the Down Syndrome community and raise awareness of the genetic condition.

Those in the younger classes sang nursery rhymes using Makaton - a form of sign language that Jack used to use - while the whole school has also been practicing songs for its Easter service using the method.

Jack's class also enjoyed watching the 'Carpool Kareoke' video that features children with Down Syndrome and their mothers using Makaton to sing along to the Christina Perri hit A Thousand Years.

Acting headteacher, Nicola James, said the day was a way of saying thank you to Jack's family for opening their eyes to the condition since he started school in 2015.

She said: "Previously, we were in complete ignorance about the condition and were, admittedly, apprehensive about providing a quality education for a pupil with Downs. However, since then our knowledge and understanding has grown from strength to strength - just like Jack.

"What we have given Jack by means of education, care and nurturing, he has given us back ten fold; he's taught us about disability, difference and determination. There are no obstacles in Jack's way - and we can all learn from that."

Jack's mum, Sue Waldock, said her son was thriving at the school thanks to the staff and particularly his teaching assistant Melissa Pole.

She said: "Jack is the happiest, most loving little boy you could ever wish to meet. He is such a character and leaves a trail of smiles behind him.

"He talks to everyone he meets and you usually get a cuddle too."

She added: "Down Syndrome is not to be feared - our children are to be celebrated for the joy they bring into our lives."

"We are luck to see life through such innocent eyes. Jack is not Down Syndrome - he's a friend, a little brother, a grandson, a nephew, a cousin and our son."