A Darlington mother aims to set up the first pre-school support service for children with Down's syndrome in the North-East.

Maggie Hart was inspired to help give pre-school children with the condition the best possible start in life after the birth in July of her son, Alex, who has Down's syndrome.

Mrs Hart, who is a teacher at Whinney Banks Primary School, Middlesbrough, found that research showed that if enough stimulus was given before starting school, children fared far better than those who did not receive specialist help.

She said: "When Alex was born there was good support available at home but I found that there wasn't any specialist support available to help him learn.

"As a teacher, that's my passion and I know how to get kids to learn. But all of a sudden, I had this little beautiful boy with learning difficulties and I didn't know what to do."

In November, Mrs Hart visited the Down's syndrome educational trust, in Portsmouth, which carries out research and offers training.

The centre caters for children from birth up to adulthood and also employs 12 adults with Down's syndrome. There she gained an insight into how speech therapy and educational work could help.

Mrs Hart said: "They are doing fantastic work and cater for so many young families.

"The centre employs people to work with groups of five children for an hour each week. They look at speech, language, memory and behaviour.

"I just know that I need Alex communicating the best he can to fulfil his potential, but there is nothing to offering this much-needed support in the North.

"So, I decided to try and set up a service in Darlington."

A committee of eight members was set up, which aims to raise £20,000 to employ a speech therapist for weekly sessions for pre-school children.

The committee has been offered the use of a room at Beaumont Hill School's new premises which are due to open in the new Haughton educational village, in November.

Mrs Hart said: "We hope to target children in areas surrounding Darlington and also in Durham and Middlesbrough.

"We are in the very early stages but are very determined that it will go ahead.

"We eventually hope to help school-age children and maybe employ some adults with learning difficulties.

"If parents are interested in the service, then they can contact us to register their child for the sessions. We will then know how many to cater for."

The committee has now embarked on the long and difficult process of raising funds.

It is applying for charity grants and plans to have an information stall at the Children's Network Exhibition, in Durham.

A raffle is being organised and members are looking for prize donations.

On Saturday, March 26, they will offer bag packing at Morrison's supermarket, Morton Park, Darlington.

For more information about the proposed support service, call Mrs Hart on 01325 369895 or Val on 01325 300688.