WORLD Down Syndrome Day, which took place yesterday, aims to raise awareness of the condition, and highlight how people with it play a vital role in their communities.

It takes place every year on the 21st day of the third month, a date selected to signify the triplication of the 21st chromosome – the cause of Down syndrome.

This year the day’s theme was “what I bring to my community”, urging every person with Down syndrome to tell the world what they have to offer, if given the right opportunities.

Seven-year-old Jack Waldock – the first and only pupil at St Andrew’s Primary School in Bishop Auckland with the condition – is certainly leading the way in his community.

He has inspired staff and fellow pupils, giving them all a greater understanding of Down syndrome and the challenges it brings.

Acting headteacher, Nicola James sums him up perfectly when she says: “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.”

The school celebrated World Down Syndrome Day by inviting pupils to be “different for a day” and singing nursery rhymes using Makaton sign language.

Such initiatives go a long way towards dispelling myths about Down syndrome – and disability in general – and it is to be hoped that in future children like Jack will not have one day in 365 to celebrate their differences, but can do so every day of the year.