ONE of the first groups in England to help young children with Downs Syndrome prepare for education has been set up in the North-East.

The Darlington Downs Syndrome Educational Trust is one of only three organisations of its kind, the other two in Bristol and Portsmouth.

Young children across the region with the genetic disorder - aged up to four years old - will now be given support in preparing to take their first steps in education.

The trust has been operating for five weeks, and was officially launched last week in a ceremony attended by leading Downs Syndrome experts, including Professor Sue Buckley, who helped to establish the first trust in England.

A total of 14 children already attend classes which are being held at Beaumont Hill School in Darlington.

The classes are divided into three age groups, with skills in speech and interaction being encouraged and developed.

The group was created by Maggie Hart, whose 15-month-old son Alexander has Downs Syndrome. Mrs Hart's father, Sandy King, also helps to manage the trust.

"It's a way of helping children to achieve their full potential," said Mrs Hart.

"The help given is quite specific, and targets the importance of learning.

"As a teacher myself, I know how difficult it can be for a little one who is struggling.

"We are trying to make sure that, when they get to nursery or school, they are given a really good chance of keeping up with other children - a lot of our children will go on to mainstream education.

"I felt very strongly that something in this area had to be created.

"When Alex was born I was not sure what to do, I felt very frightened for his future, and I have no doubt other parents in our situation feel the same.

"Hopefully, we can do something to help with that."

Anyone who wants to enrol their children in the Friday morning classes can contact Mrs Hart on (01325) 369895